POLICE are hunting knife-wielding robbers who dragged a 21-year-old man to the ground before stealing his phone.

During the incident, which took place on September 11 between 6.30pm and 7.05pm, a man motioned to the victim as he cycled along Ophir Gardens.

When the victim slowed to talk to him, two other men approached, and one grabbed the man around the neck from behind before dragging from to the ground.

He also slashed the man’s bicycle tyre with a knife.

The three offenders then left the scene and headed towards Holdenhurst Road.

Following the attack, the victim discovered his iPhone 5 and a £20 note were missing from his pocket.

The main offender is described as white, of large build and was wearing a dark coloured long-sleeved hooded top.

The second man is described as white, aged in his mid to late twenties, of stocky or chubby build and around five feet eleven inches tall. He had short dark blond hair.

The third man is described as white, aged in his mid twenties, of skinny build and around five feet ten inches tall. He had short dark brown hair and a tattoo on his right arm, described as a tribal-style design.

Detective Constable Jo Shewbridge, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The incident has left the victim scared and upset.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has any details about the men responsible as they may recognise the descriptions.

“Anyone with information that could assist my investigation should contact Dorset Police.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 11:364. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.