Two boys aged 16 and 17, both from Bournemouth, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and are assisting officers with their enquiries. It is alleged a knife was recovered.

At 3.38pm on Tuesday 15 June Dorset Police was called to reports that two 15-year-old boys had been approached by two other males in Dale Valley Road, close to the junction of Foxholes Road, threatened with a knife and one was robbed of his mobile phone. Neither victim was physically injured.

Detective Constable Nick Whittaker, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This incident happened in a busy area and I would ask anyone who witnessed the reported incident to please contact Dorset Police. I would also ask any residents in the area of Dale Valley Road near to the junction of Foxholes Road to check their home CCTV systems and get in touch if they have any footage that may assist my investigation.

“I would like to reassure members of the community that a full investigation is underway into this incident and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached by members of the public with any concerns.”

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 55210095427. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.