A MAN who walked out in front of a car to force its driver to stop before smashing its windscreen is being hunted by police.

Officers in Ferndown are appealing for anyone with information to come forward after criminal damage was caused to a car in Stapehill.

Police said this afternoon that the incident happened at around 2.30am on Saturday, April 12, along Wimborne Road West.

The victim, a 48-year-old Bournemouth woman, was driving her Vauxhall Astra in Cobham Road, through the Ferndown Industrial Estate, when she saw a man walking towards her in the middle of the road in the direction of Canford Bottom.

He forced her to stop by standing in her way and asked for a lift home.

When she refused, he punched the windscreen so hard it broke, causing a crack across the entire length.

Acting Sergeant Shaun Sutton, of Ferndown police, said: “The offender is described as a white man in his twenties with short brown hair and a straggly beard. He was wearing blue jeans, a white T shirt with a motif on it and white trainers.

“It is possible he injured his hand in the incident. I am interested in speaking with anyone who may know the identity of a man fitting this description and who may have a hand injury.

“I urge anyone with information to contact the police on 101. All calls will be treated with the strictest confidence.

“Members of the public who find themselves in a similar situation are advised to lock their car doors and to call 999 if they feel threatened.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident 12:61.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.