POLICE have released a CCTV image after a frightening early hours attack in Westbourne.

They hope someone will recognise the man after a woman was approached from behind by a man who lifted the hood of her coat over her head and face and grabbed her neck.

The man then threatened the victim and pushed her along the pavement but he let her go and ran off when an elderly man came walking towards them.

The incident took place at 4.30am on Sunday August 5 when the victim, a woman in her 30s from Poole, was walking along Poole Road towards the LV roundabout.

He grabbed her near the Iceland store and forced her towards Seamoor Road. The woman suffered minor injuries to her nose and lip.

Detective Constable Steven Davis, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I appreciate that the image is of very poor quality and it is difficult to identify the man pictured. However the image might jog someone’s memory, which could supply us with additional details.

"I am also keen to speak with anyone who has any information about who might be responsible that can assist my investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55180125052 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.