AN elderly man sustained a broken hip after being attacked by a cyclist in Boscombe today.

The incident, in which a 77-year-old Bournemouth pensioner was pushed to the floor by a male cyclist, happened outside the George Fry electrical store on the corner of Christchurch Road and Parkwood Road just after 9am.

The victim was rushed to Poole Hospital, where he is still receiving treatment.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bell, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I understand that the victim asked a group of cyclists to stop riding along the pavement and that one of these cyclists pushed him to the ground, causing serious injury.

"The offender then cycled away along Christchurch Road toward Boscombe town centre."

The offender is white and was wearing a grey hooded top, with the hood up. He was riding a dark coloured bicycle.

DS Bell continued: "The elderly victim requires surgery to treat his injuries and is facing a lengthy recovery.

"I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone with any information about the man responsible, to contact me urgently.

"This area will have been busy at this time of the morning and I am keen to speak with anyone who can help me with this investigation."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 19:119. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.