A WESTBOURNE councillor has condemned a robber who attacked an elderly couple at the weekend.

A man in his 70s suffered serious facial injuries and his wife had a mild heart attack during the incident, which happened at around 1.15pm on Saturday.

Westbourne and West Cliff ward councillor Nick Rose said the attack was a “disgusting act” that should never have happened.

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 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.

Cllr Rose said residents have told him they fear going into Westbourne due to concerns over aggressive beggars.

“This is a disgusting act in broad daylight that should never have happened,” he said.

“Unfortunately we cannot expect police to be on every street corner all of the time.

“Many elderly residents in my ward are fearful of going into Westbourne because of the increase in aggressive begging that is happening, which has been directly caused by efforts to move the issue away from the town centre.”

Detective Sergeant Andy Haworth, of Bournemouth CID, is urging anyone who witnessed the incident on Saturday to contact Dorset Police.

He 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.