POLICE are hunting a robber who punched a man in the face before grabbing his iPhone and bank cards.

They have appealed for help to trace the offender, who engaged his victim in conversation before attacking him in Bournemouth town centre.

The incident happened just before midday on Wednesday October 10 at the bottom of Richmond Hill, near to the NatWest bank.

The offender ran up the hill and turned into Post Office Road after attacking his victim, a local man in his 30s.

The offender is described as being of Middle-Eastern appearance, aged in his mid 20s, around five feet nine inches tall and of slim build. He was wearing a bright orange top, dark-coloured jacket, black baseball cap and cargo-style trousers. He also had dark facial hair around one centimetre thick.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a suspected broken nose and bruising to his eye.

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55180164699 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.