Police appeal after serious assault in Bournemouth

Detectives investigating a serious assault against a woman in Bournemouth are appealing for two men pictured on closed-circuit television to come forward in confidence.

Officers are also appealing for passing motorists at the time of the assault to contact detectives as soon as possible.

The incident in which a 19-year old woman from Bournemouth was knocked to the ground by a man happened on Wimborne Road – between Cemetery Junction and Stokewood Road – between 3.30am and 4.15am on 21 April 2009.

Detective Constable Mark Colborne, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This was a cowardly attack on a young woman as she was making her way home next to the cemetery and I am determined to bring the culprit to justice as soon as possible.

“I am keen to identify and speak to a man seen walking behind the woman as I need to establish his motives and what his intentions may have been.

“I would also like to speak to the passing motorists – including a taxi driver – pictured on the CCTV as well as a man seen walking in the same direction as the woman but on the Rushton Crescent side of Wimborne Road because they could have important information that could help my investigation.

“All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence and I am interested in any information, no matter how unimportant or irrelevant people may believe it to be,” explained DC Colborne.

The victim, who was knocked unconscious, sustained minor injuries, later waking up, calling a member of her family on the phone and walking home.

Detectives are awaiting the results of forensic tests in their hunt to find her attacker.

The man that detectives are searching for is described as white, aged in his late twenties or early thirties, around six feet tall and with short mousy hair.

At the time of the offence, the man was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, blue denim jeans and white trainers.

DC Colborne continued: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this assault, and anyone who has any information about the man responsible, to contact me urgently.

“It is quite possible that someone, somewhere – perhaps several people – knows, or suspect that they know, who was responsible for this attack and I would urge them to do the right thing and contact Dorset Police in confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.