POLICE are hunting a would-be robber who threatened his victim with a pair of bolt croppers.

They have released this e-fit of a suspect and hope members of the public will come forward with information.

The attempted robbery took place on Monday June 8 as the victim walked through an alleyway between Columbia Road and Archdale Close in the Ensbury Park area.

The male offender tried to rob a 33-year-old local man of electronic mechanic equipment by threatening him with a pair of bolt croppers. The victim was not injured.

The offender is described as white, aged in his mid to late 20s, with a skinny face and a nose or lip piercing on the right side of his face. He has short spiky blond hair and was wearing a dark blue T-shirt with baggy jeans. The offender is not known to the victim.

Police Constable Charlie Burt, of Winton police, said: "Following my investigation, I am now in a position to release an e-fit of the offender. I am keen to speak with anyone who can identify this man or has information about the investigation. All calls will be treated in strict confidence."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 8:341 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.