AN ELDERLY couple suffered a ''nasty attack'' during a robbery in Westbourne on Saturday afternoon.

A man was left with a serious facial injury and his wife suffered a mild heart attack during the incident, which happened at around 1.15pm.

The couple were walking along Poole Road towards Bournemouth and then turned left into Pinetree Glen when they were approached from behind by a man on a bike.

He pushed the male victim, who is in his 70s, to the floor and grabbed the bag he was holding. The bag is described as a white handbag.

The couple were taken to hospital following the attack.

Police have released CCTV images of a suspect they are trying to track down.

Detective Sergeant Andy Haworth, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a nasty attack on a couple just walking through Westbourne and it left them both in hospital.

“As part of our enquiries we have secured CCTV images from a nearby shop and I am appealing for anyone who recognises the suspect to please get in touch as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident itself and has not spoken with officers yet.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180076006. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.