A MAN was hit in the face by a metal bike chain during an attempted robbery in Bournemouth.

The victim, a 33-year-old local man, was walking along Riverside Avenue near the entrance to Tesco at around 10.25am on Monday.

He was playing on his phone and listening to music through his earphones, when he became aware of shadows near to him.

As he looked up, one male offender attempted to grab the headphones.

The victim managed to pull away but was struck in the face by a second male offender with what is believed to have been a metal bike chain.

The chain made contact with the victim’s nose and forehead causing a small cut.

It is believed the offenders made off into bushes leading to Playgolf Bournemouth.

Nothing was stolen.

The first offender is described as white, approximately six feet tall, aged in his early 20s, of average build and wearing a black baseball cap.

The second offender is described as white and was possibly wearing sunglasses.

Police say they have carried out a number of enquiries following the incident, including CCTV searches, but these have been unsuccessful.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard something suspicious is asked to contact Dorset Police.

Police Constable Josh Benoke, of Bournemouth police, said: “I am also keen to hear from any motorists who were travelling along Riverside Avenue that day and time and may have captured the offenders on dashcam.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180072565.