Police are appealing for help after a 14-year-old girl was approached by an unknown man in Charminster this week.

Around 5.20pm on Wednesday, the teenager was approached by the man who then put his hand on her and asked for her number and if he could meet her in the future.

The incident took place in Stoke Wood Road.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police say he did not touch the girl sexually and no threats were made.

The man left the scene in the direction of De Lisle Road, apparently after he became aware a member of the public was watching what was going on.

Police say the man is described as being of Arabic appearance, in his late teens, around five feet six inches tall and of slim build. He had short dark hair, a full beard and was wearing square-rimmed sunglasses.

He was wearing cream trousers and a beige bomber style jacket and had a dark blue backpack on with a brown leather base.

Detectives have made a number of enquiries in an attempt to locate the man, including house to house enquiries in the local area and a trawl of CCTV footage.

Detective Constable Luke Davis, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to the public in the hope that someone may have witnessed the incident, or recognise the man involved from the description given.

“I am particularly keen to speak to a female passer-by who spoke to the girl immediately after the incident took place.”

Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware of the incident and can be contacted with any concerns.