DETECTIVES in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses after a vulnerable man was robbed in an underpass near the town's railway station.

The victim, a 59-year-old Bournemouth man who walks with the aid of a stick, was robbed while sat down on a bench.

The incident happened at around 9am on Saturday in the subway beneath the St Paul's roundabout.

Two men, who are believed to have Scottish accents, approached the victim and sat down beside him before one of the men assaulted the victim breaking his glasses and taking cash from his wallet.

The attacker is described as white, 5ft 10ins to 6ft, of slim build and aged in his 30s. He had reddish blond hair cut short and was wearing a grey top with a white stripe.

The other man was white, 5ft 8ins, aged in his 40s with short grey hair. He was wearing a dark jacket.

The victim was shaken but not seriously injured.

DC Liz Westaway of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: "The subway is used by a lot of people and it is likely that someone may have seen what occurred or the victim sat on the bench.

"I am keen to speak to anyone with information about this robbery, especially anybody who can help me identify the two men."

Police are also appealing for information about an attempted robbery in a play park in Kinson at the junction of Mandale Road and Turbary Park Avenue, at 2am on Saturday (May 23).

The 21-year-old victim was approached by two men who demanded he hand over his personal possessions. The victim was searched and then assaulted.

Anyone with information about either crime should call 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.