POLICE are hunting for a robber who targeted an elderly man in the car park of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Detectives say the victim, who is in his 80s, had parked at the hospital at 9am on Sunday, September 24 when he was approached by a man who asked for money.

The elderly man said he didn't have any and the robber became aggressive, pushing the victim against his car and wrestling his car keys from him.

As the victim got out his wallet and started counting money, a woman went to his aid. She took the keys back from the offender and told him to leave. He walked off toward the bus stop.

The woman told the victim that she had also been approached for money by the same man. She walked the victim to A&E and explained to staff what had happened before she left.

The victim sustained a minor injury to his index finger.

The offender is described as white, five feet ten inches tall, around 40 years old and with dark medium-length hair. He was wearing a T-shirt and trousers.

The woman who helped the victim is described as white, aged in her 40s, well-spoken, around five feet two inches tall, of average build and with short grey hair. Police are calling for her to come forward to help with their investigation.

Detective Constable Matt Cooke, of Bournemouth CID, said: “As part of my enquiries I have established that a kind woman went to the aid of the victim during this incident.

"I am particularly keen to trace this good Samaritan as I believe she may have important information that could assist me with my investigation.

"I would also urge anyone else who may have been approached by this man to contact Dorset Police."

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170148986.