A MAN sustained a fractured eye socket after he was punched to the side of the head during a street robbery in Bournemouth.

The victim, a man aged in his 20s, was walking Queens Road in Westbourne at around 10.45pm on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, when a man began to follow him.

As the victim turned onto Marlborough Road, the man pulled the hood on the victim’s jumper over his head and punched him to side of his head, which caused him to fall to the floor.

The man then grabbed at his clothing and took his mobile phone from his pocket.

Police say the offender was described as wearing a black face mask, a black hooded top and white trainers.

The victim was taken to hospital by the ambulance service for treatment and also sustained scratches to his neck, eye and abdomen.

Detective Constable Jo Regan, of the Priority Crime Team, said: “An investigation is underway to try and identify the offender.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed what happened or saw any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident to please come forward.

“Finally, I would ask motorists and residents to check their dashcams and home CCTV systems for any relevant footage to assist my enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210104500.