A teenage girl was walking on a footpath between Kimberley Road and Mill Lane in Lower Parkstone at around 7.20pm on Thursday 1 July when she saw a man ahead of her on a mobility scooter with a dog on a lead. As she passed him the dog jumped up and bit her arm, causing bruising and tearing her jumper.

The man is described as white, aged around 70 and of chubby build with white receding hair. The dog was a pale yellow Labrador-type.

Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: “This incident left the girl very shaken and we are keen to identify the owner of the dog involved so we can take his account.

“I would urge anyone with any information as to his identity, or who witnessed what happened, to please get in touch.”

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 55210105212. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.