A MAN had a metal wire held to his neck during a “very frightening” robbery near the seafront in Bournemouth.

The incident happened at 11am on Saturday on the footpath that runs between West Overcliff Drive and Alum Chine car park, near the Tropical Gardens.

The victim, a local man in his 20s, was approached by a man who asked him for the time.

As he got his phone out to check, a second man walked up behind and stretched some sort of metal wire across the victim’s neck.

The first offender then produced a knife from the waistband of his tracksuit and demanded the victim’s rucksack.

The second man searched through the victim’s pockets before stealing a mobile phone, wallet and cash.

The victim sustained minor injuries to his neck which did not require hospital treatment.

Police are now appealing for any potential witnesses to come forward.

The first offender is described as white, aged in his 20s, of stocky build and five feet eight inches tall. He had tanned skin, short dark curly hair and a short beard which was described as being well-kept. He wore a green tracksuit and baseball cap.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “The victim did not see the second offender's face but saw part of his arm and therefore believes he is a black man.”

Detective Sergeant Ian Allen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a very frightening experience for the victim and he is lucky to have not been more seriously injured.

“I would like to reassure members of the public that a full investigation is underway involving CCTV and other detailed enquiries.

“This is a popular location, especially on a Saturday morning, and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the relevant time and saw or heard anything suspicious to please contact Dorset Police.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware of this incident and will be continuing to patrol the area to reassure the community.”

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 55180051481.