A WOMAN was grabbed by the neck from behind by a stranger in an "extremely frightening ordeal" in Westbourne.

The victim, a woman in her thirties, was walking along Poole Road, in the direction of the LV= Roundabout, at around 4.30am on Sunday when the attack happened.

As she passed Iceland, a man approached her from behind, lifted the hood of her coat over her head and face and grabbed her neck.

He made threats toward her and pushed her along the pavement towards Seamoor Road.

As they entered Seamoor Road an elderly man came walking towards them, and the offender, upon seeing him, let go of the woman and ran off.

The offender is described as white, tall and of slim build with brown hair that is balding on top and was wearing all dark clothing.

The woman suffered minor injuries to her nose and lip but did not require any hospital treatment.

Detective Sergeant Jess Pearcey, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was an extremely frightening ordeal for the victim, and I would like to reassure members of the public that a detailed investigation is underway to identify the man responsible.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries, including exploring CCTV opportunities in the area and trying to identify any potential witnesses."

She added: “I am keen to speak to anyone with information about this incident, particularly a taxi driver who may have driven past around the time of the offence and the elderly man whose presence scared off the suspect.”

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 55180125052. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.