Police investigating an attempted mugging in Canford Heath have released an e-fit of the suspect.

Armed police were called at 6.45pm last Friday to an area of the heath, near Culliford Crescent, where a woman walking her dog, was confronted by a man who threatened her and tried to steal her phone.

Initially Dorset Police refused to release details of the incident but later said the man was confronted by the woman's dog and the fled the scene in the direction of Marshwood Avenue.

The victim sustained two minor cuts - believed to be from a Stanley knife - as a result of the incident but no items were stolen.

The attacker is described as white, in his late 30s, 6ft tall and slim with shoulder length dark hair, wearing a dirty white t-shirt, baggy blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Ben Griffin, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am now in a position to release an e-fit of the suspect.

“I would like to hear from anyone who thinks that they recognise the man based on the description and e-fit image.

“I am also appealing to local residents who may have seen or heard something suspicious at the relevant time and place.”