A WOMAN in her 50s fell from her bike after being punched in the head by a man in Bournemouth's Upper Gardens.

Police have appealed for witnesses after the woman, from Poole, was punched a further three times as she lay on the ground.

Her attacker tried to grab her handbag and shopping bag but fled the scene after she shouted for help.

The incident took place at around 2.30pm on Boxing Day and the man picked up his own bike and cycled away empty-handed in the direction of the bridge.

The man is described as white, 35 to 40 years old, about five feet seven inches tall and of chubby build. He was wearing a light blue jacket with the hood up, which was quite tight on him, dark blue jeans slightly washed out on the thighs and dark sport shoes. He wore his trousers very low around his waist.

The bike he was riding was black, with a thin frame and had some writing on it.

Police Constable Emily Cooke, of Bournemouth police, said: “This was an unpleasant and violent attack on a woman and we are keen to identify the suspect. I would ask anyone who was in the area of the Upper Gardens at the relevant time and either witnessed the incident or saw a man matching the description given to please contact Dorset Police.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55190201937, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.