Police are appealing for a cyclist who may have been assaulted in a late-night 'altercation' to come forward.
Officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Meyrick Road close to the Britannia Hotel just after midnight on Saturday.
A member of the public saw an altercation between two men in a dark-coloured vehicle, possibly a VW Passat, and a man riding a bicycle.
But when police arrived at the scene, no-one was there.
Detective Sergeant Ian Allen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This incident was reported to us by a member of the public and officers were unable to locate anyone at the scene.
"It is possible the cyclist may have been assaulted during the incident. I would urge this man to please come forward and talk to officers to allow us to investigate the incident.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw either the vehicle or the cyclist immediately before or after the altercation.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 21:03. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here