A DRUNKEN man threatened to harm a woman with a knife and ordered her to hand over her handbag.

The offender was one of two men who had been approached by two women near the White Heather pub in Ringwood Road, Ferndown.

Police said he made threats to harm the woman, although no weapon was seen, during an incident at around 8pm on Saturday December 9.

The victim refused to give the offender her bag and she and her friend - both aged in their 20s - continued and then called the police. Neither were physically injured during the incident.

Now investigating officers have appealed for information from the public.

The offender is described as white, of medium build, five feet nine inches tall and around 25-years-old. He had a scruffy beard and wore a grey tracksuit, short dark-coloured hooded top and trainers.

The second man is described as white, aged in his 20s and five feet six inches tall. He had a short beard and wore a grey tracksuit and a black coat.

Police Constable James Perks, of Ferndown police, said: "An investigation is underway to identify the two men involved, including CCTV enquiries. I would ask anyone who was in the area at the relevant time and saw these two men to please contact Dorset Police."

Call police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 088 555 111, quoting occurrence number 55170191316.