POLICE are searching for a group of good Samaritans who interrupted a knife point robbery on Friday night.

A man in his 20s was approached by three men as he walked down an alleyway between Bindon Close and Herbert Avenue in Poole sometime between 11pm and 11.30pm on April 29.

One of the group is alleged to have threatened the victim with a knife, while others demanded his cash and mobile phone.

While this was taking place, a second group of four or five men entered the alleyway from the Bindon Close end. They noticed what was happening, shouted at the would-be robbers and called the victim towards them.

The would-be robbers then ran away via the Herbert Avenue exit.

The victim left via Bindon Close.

Detective Sergeant Greg Tansill of Bournemouth CID said: "Fortunately, the victim was not injured and none of his property was stolen.

"However, this was obviously a frightening event and the group of good Samaritans may have stopped it becoming even worse.

"It is heartening to know these good people were in the area and were willing to take action to help a stranger, without knowing the potential danger. I commend them for their actions, but also urge them to make contact with us.

"They will have been important witnesses and any information they provide could prove crucial.

"If they are reading this, or if anyone knows who they are, please make contact with Dorset Police."

Two men aged 21 and 24 and a 16 year-old boy, all from Poole, were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries until the beginning of June.

Anyone that could help is asked to call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 55160066410. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.