DETECTIVES have released an image of a man they wish to speak with following an attempted armed robbery at a bookmakers.

During the incident, which took place yesterday at around 5.25pm at Coral in Wimborne Road, Winton, a member of staff was threatened with a handgun.

A man - who had covered his face and head - approached the counter and threatened the employee.

A customer who was also at the counter confronted the offender and as a result received a small cut to his head.

However, no one else was injured in the incident.

The offender then left Coral and was seen running up Latimer Road.

He is described as a white man who is bald on the top of his head, and was wearing a black top and a grey hoody. He had a smooth black scarf around his face.

Detective Constable Alan Marks, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Fortunately the offender left empty handed.

“It is thought that after the incident he got into a silver Skoda Fabio and may have been with a black man who was seen acting suspiciously at the time.

“Following enquiries I am now able to release a CCTV image of the suspect.

“I would ask him or anyone who recognises him, to contact me urgently.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 22:336 Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.