A MAN has been arrested after a woman was attacked and had her mobile phone stolen in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident happened around 5.30am along Haven Road in Poole.

The victim, a 21-year-old woman from Lymington, and her friend had met two men during the evening.

After they had already parted in Haven Road, the suspect returned with his car to the two women and it was reported that he then assaulted one of them and stole her rose-gold-coloured iPhone.

The victim and her friend sustained cuts and bruising during the incident.

Officers attended the scene, searched the area and stopped a vehicle. A 24-year-old Poole man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, assault and driving offences. He is helping officers with their enquiries.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Andy Haworth, of Poole and Bournemouth CID, said: “In particular, I am keen to speak with the driver of a van that the two women tried to flag down as he may have vital information.

“The iPhone has not been recovered yet but may be in the Glen Fern Road area. I would ask anyone who finds it to please contact us as soon as possible.”

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 incident number 6:65.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.