If you were travelling on roads neighbouring Ringwood Road on Sunday 26 September and witnessed the attempted robbery, the police would like to talk to you.

Dorset Police received a report at around 8.40pm on 26 September that two people threatened a staff member and demanded money from the till at the shop.

It is alleged that one of the men was in possession of a small black handgun and the second man was holding a bat.

The victim did not give them any money and they were subsequently chased away from the scene. It is believed that they got into a taxi after leaving the area.

Nobody was injured during the incident.

One of the boys was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and the second boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Liz Horrex, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or saw any suspicious activity in the area before or after the reported robbery to please come forward.

“I am keen to identify the driver of the taxi that is believed to have picked up two people in the vicinity shortly after the incident.

“I would also urge motorists who were travelling on Ringwood Road, Livingstone Road, Cynthia Road, Lawson Road or Uppleby Road around the relevant time to please check their dashcam for any footage to help my investigation.”

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 55210155820. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.