A WOMAN ended up on her hands and knees after an assault in broad daylight in Poole town centre.

The 37-year-old Poole woman was left badly shaken and upset by the attack and suffered grazes to her legs and hands.

It took place on Monday around 9.50am in a short alleyway between Emerson Close and Green Road, which comes out near Old Town First School and Nursery.

Dorset Police have issued an appeal for witnesses and anyone with information about the random act of violence to come forward.

“I’m surprised and shocked that this has happened in the town centre because it’s an unusual event,” said Cllr Carol Evans, who represents the area on Borough of Poole.

She said it was an odd time of day for such an attack to take place. “I hope she is not badly hurt and the perpetrator is found,” she added.

The victim, who was dressed in a blue hooded top, black trousers and white blouse, saw a man leaning against a telegraph pole looking at a mobile phone, at the entrance to the alley.

He followed her and when she was about half-way through, grabbed at her lower legs, causing her to fall forward.

The offender made off when a member of the public called out to ask if she was all right.

PC Phil Prentice, of Poole police, said: “The victim did not hear any verbal threats made by the offender. However, this incident left her badly shaken and upset.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has any details about the man responsible. Anyone with information that may assist my investigation should contact Dorset Police.”

The man is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s and wearing a grey beanie style hat, maroon T-shirt with an emblem on the front, black skinny jeans and trainers.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 16:125 or free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.