Detectives appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage after robber steals teenage boy’s phone and indecently exposes himself in Mudeford Woods, near the Somerford roundabout, in Christchurch

DETECTIVES are looking for a man who robbed and exposed himself to a teenage boy in Christchurch woodland.

The victim was targeted as he walked in Mudeford Woods, close to the entrance near the Somerford roundabout, between 7.30pm and 9pm yesterday (Wednesday).

A man approached and reportedly grabbed his arm and took his phone before indecently exposing himself.

The victim managed to run away and return home.

People are being urged to come forward if they saw any suspicious activity or captured useful dash cam footage.

The offender is in his late 30s to early 40s, 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, with tanned skin, and short, black, curly hair.

He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms.

DI Stefanie Belton, of Dorset Police’s child abuse investigation team (CAIT), said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information that might assist our enquiries.

“I would also ask any motorists who were driving in the area of Somerford Road during the relevant time to please check any dash cam footage to see if they have captured anything of relevance.

“Furthermore, we know a cyclist assisted the boy in returning home shortly after the incident occurred, so we would ask them to make contact with us so we can take their account of what happened.”

Anyone with information should contact officers online via dorset.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 55250061034.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.