There could be a link between two robberies which took place in Bournemouth on Thursday 4 February with the police saying they are keeping an open mind. There will be an increased police presence in the areas over the coming days.

The first incident took place at around 3.30pm when a 13-year-old, walking in the Kings Park Road area, was approached by two teenage boys, who were riding on Beryl Bikes. They demanded the victim’s coat before assaulting him.

The two teenagers cycled off with the coat, which contained £20 cash in a pocket.

The victim sustained a cut and swollen lip and a cut to his nose.

Both of the offenders are described as being around 15 or 16 years old. One is described as being less than five feet nine inches tall, of slim build and was wearing a black tracksuit with a hood and a black mask covering most of his face.

The other offender is described as mixed race, taller than five feet nine inches and of slim build with black curly hair. He was wearing a grey or silver jacket or hooded top that had a zip across the body and was also wearing a face mask.

The second incident took place at 9.55pm that same day. An 18-year-old who was walking along an alleyway off Thistlebarrow Road near to the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth was stabbed in the legs and Dorset Police are seeking witnesses.

The victim was approached by two male teenagers on bicycles who asked for his phone. He refused and they punched him in the face several times. The victim fell to the floor and saw one of the offenders holding what he believed to be a small blade.

He handed over his phone and left the scene in the direction of Ashley Road. He then realised he had sustained a stab wound to each leg. He was taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening and subsequently released.

The descriptions of the assailants in both cases are similar.

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 55210021531. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.