POLICE are searching for a ‘speeding’ electric scooter rider who knocked down a jogger on the seafront at Branksome Chine before motoring off. 

Paramedics and officers were called to the prom just after 1pm yesterday, Sunday, after the woman, 68, was badly hurt.

Members of the public, including an off-duty doctor and youngsters from the Branksome Chine Surf Lifesaving Club, helped keep the casualty warm before ambulances arrived.

As they did, they spotted the man on his electric-powered stand-up scooter heading back in the opposite direction ‘at speed’.

The prom is subject to a 10 mile per hour limit.

However, one witness, who has asked not to be named, said she believes the hit and run rider was travelling much more quickly.

“The lady had been running when she was hit head-on,” the witness said.

“She did a 180° and went down on her side.

“She was on the ground for about half an hour in the end before the ambulance was able to get to her. It was miserable and cold – there were seven or eight people around her trying to keep her warm and still.

“An off-duty doctor eventually came along and said she should be moved as she was in a great deal of pain.

“She was starting to shake, and her face was very pale.”

As the witness returned to her car after helping, she saw the scooter rider heading back in the opposite direction.

“He had his hood up and he was going along at quite some speed past the cafe at Branksome,” she said.

“He was going far too quickly for us to be able to catch up to him.

“He had to have known what he’d done. He hit that lady and just left her there.”

Police are calling for anyone with information to come forward.

PC Craig Jeffery, of the traffic unit, said they are searching for a slim man with dark clothing.

“I believe there were numerous walkers in the area at the time that witnessed what happened and I am appealing for anyone who has not yet spoken to officers to come forward,” he said.

“Anyone who has information about the man involved is asked to contact police. I would also urge the scooter driver to do the right thing and contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200012991.