A HOMELESS man has appeared in court charged with robbery after an incident in Westbourne on Saturday afternoon.

Emmett Downes, 39, did not enter a plea to the charge against him when he appeared before magistrates in Poole.

The defendant, who was remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court next month, was charged after an elderly couple were reportedly mugged.

Police allege Brian Pawley and wife Ruby, both 77, were walking home when they were attacked in Pine Tree Glen.

Mr Pawley sustained a serious facial injury, while Mrs Pawley suffered a mild heart attack.

A white leather handbag with two small handles and writing on it was allegedly taken.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police via dorset.police.uk or call 101, quoting 55180076006.