A MAN was threatened with a hypodermic needle during a 'frightening' robbery in Poole.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was stopped by a gang of five men riding bicycles as he walked along Stanfield Close, near the junction of Stanfield Road, early Saturday evening.

While two of the gang blocked his path, he was grabbed by two others from behind.

One of the thugs pulled out a needle and threatened the victim before stealing cash from his wallet.

Detective Constable Luke Davis, of Bournemouth CID, said: "This was a frightening incident for the victim and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and either witnessed the robbery or saw a group of men on bicycles immediately before or after to please contact Dorset Police."

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who may know the identity of these men from the detailed descriptions given."

The victim was not physically injured in the robbery.

All five robbers, described as being in their late 20s, rode off in the direction of the housing estate on Stanfield Close.

The offender who threatened the victim with the needle is white, slim build, six feet one inches tall, with a gaunt withdrawn clean shaven face. He wore a black rain coat, dark trousers or jeans, a black baseball cap with a hooded top and black trainers. He also rode a scratched black mountain bike.

Meanwhile, the second thug was white, five feet eight inches tall, slim with brown bushy hair and a ginger goatee style beard. He wore a dark blue raincoat, dark tracksuit bottoms and rode a dark green and black mountain bike with a squeaky front brake.

The third robber was around five feet seven inches tall, slim, with a gaunt face and brown greasy cropped hair. He wore a green khaki mac-style coat with mud stains on the front, a black baseball cap underneath a hooded top, dark coloured jeans and trainers.

He was riding a red and black Raleigh race bike with ball handles.

The fourth offender was white, five feet eight inches tall, skinny and wore grey tracksuit bottoms, a dark coloured jacket and white trainers.

While the last of the gang was white, five feet 10 inches tall, skinny build and wore a black tracksuit and brightly coloured style trainers.

The robbery took place at 6.20pm on Saturday, May 18.