Detectives investigating a report of robbery and indecent exposure in Christchurch are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Between 7.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday 30 April 2025 a teenage boy was walking in Mudeford Woods close to the entrance near the Somerford Road roundabout when he was approached by a man, who was unknown to him.

It was reported that the man grabbed the victim’s arm and took his phone before exposing himself. The victim then managed to run away and return home.

The man is described as five feet nine inches tall and of medium build with tanned skin. He is aged in his late 30s to early 40s and has short, black, curly hair. He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms.

Detective Inspector Stefanie Belton, of the Dorset Police 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 dashcam 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 is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250061034. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.