A MAN brandished a golf club and tried to take a phone from a walker as he exercised in Bournemouth's Meyrick Park golf course.

Police released an image in the hunt for a man who targeted the same walker on two occasions in April.

They are investigating an assault and a public order offence and have appealed to the public for help.

On the evening of Monday April 6 the victim – a man aged in his 50s – was walking through the golf course, which at the time was closed to golfers due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Four men were on the course hitting golf balls toward members of the public. The victim challenged the group of men and attempted to record the exchange on his mobile phone. One of the men then threatened to take his phone from him.

At around 6pm on Monday April 20 the victim was taking the same walk through Meyrick Park golf course when the same group of men were present. One of the men in the group then chased after the victim while brandishing a golf club and repeatedly approached him despite the victim asking him to keep two metres away. The man then physically assaulted the victim in an attempt to take his phone from him.

Police Constable Ryan Ward, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to make enquiries into this incident and we have obtained an image of a man we would like to speak to as part of our investigation.

“I am aware there were a number of other people in the area at the time and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who has any information as to the man’s identity to please contact us.

Following an image appeal issued by officers, a man has come forward and is assisting officers with their investigation.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200056128, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 000 555 111.