TWO teenagers grabbed a man by the neck and punched him in the face during a robbery in Christchurch.

The attack happened at around 1.10am on Sunday in Barrack Road, near to the roundabout with The Grove and the petrol station.

It was reported that two teenage offenders assaulted an 18-year-old man who was walking toward Bournemouth on Barrack Road. After attacking him and demanding his money, they took the money and ran off in the direction of Christchurch.

The first offender is described as white, about 15 years old, five feet seven inches tall, and of heavy build. He has a roundish face and was clean shaven with short brown hair. He was wearing a dark grey hooded top with the hood up, tracksuit bottoms and running shoes.

The second offender is described as white, also five feet seven inches tall, but of slender build. He was clean shaven and wearing a dark grey hooded top and tracksuit bottoms.

The victim was wearing a red and blue checked shirt, black jeans, a black jacket and grey shoes.

Detective Constable Hannah Brackstone, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a serious offence and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information about those responsible to contact police immediately.”

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 incident number 20:28. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.