Three teenage boys attempted to rob a 13-year-old boy who was walking in the area of the junction of Belle Vue Close and Southbourne Road at 3.55pm on Thursday 27 January.

It is reported that the boys grabbed the victim’s rucksack and hit him in the face. One of the boys also asked if the victim had money, a bank card or a phone.

A man who was in the area with a young girl began to make his way toward the victim to help him and the boys subsequently left the scene.

The boys are described as aged between 15 and 16 years old. One of them was approximately five feet four inches tall, of slim build with mousey brown hair and was wearing dark jeans and a grey hooded top.

A second boy was described as having short mousey brown hair and was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a black hooded top.

The third boy was approximately five feet six inches tall, of muscular build with black hair and was also wearing a black hooded top.

PC Jack Cornick, of Bournemouth police, said: “I have been continuing to carry out a number of enquiries into the incident to try and identify the three boys, including checking CCTV in the area, but these have so far proved unsuccessful.

“I am appealing directly to the Good Samaritan who helped the boy to please get in touch as you may have important information that may assist my enquiries.

“While I appreciate this incident took place last month, I believe there would have been a number of people in the area and I am hoping someone may recall witnessing what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220015792. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.