A TAXI driver is alleged to have hounded a 72-year-old Poole woman across town hurling abuse at her in a road rage incident.

The woman, who was driving a red Renault Scenic, is thought to have been followed home by the 59-year-old driver of a black Vauxhall Vectra taxi on Monday, following a driving incident in Bournemouth Road, Poole.

Police are appealing for witness to two altercations between the pensioner and the other driver and an incident involving a passer-by.

PC Simon Hallam, of Poole Police, said: "I'm told that the first incident occurred at about 2pm on Monday near to the Post Office in Bournemouth Road, Poole. It's believed to have involved verbal abuse.

"The second incident allegedly occurred not far away in Springfield Road where I'm told the man also took hold of a lady passer-by and discussed the incident with her.

"The third incident is believed to have taken place in the driveway of a house near Rosemary Road, in Parkstone, after the lady was apparently followed home and where again verbal abuse was involved. I'm very keen to speak with anyone who witnessed any of these incidents on Monday afternoon.

"In particular I'd like to speak with the lady witness who was in Springfield Road. It's important I have an unbiased picture of what exactly happened."

No one was physically injured in the incidents.

A 59-year-old Verwood man has been arrested in connection with them, and released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information should contact Poole Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.