A TEN-year-old boy was left "very distressed" following a street robbery, where a man stole his expensive £2,600 mountain bike.

Dorset Police have released an image of the bicycle taken.

The youngster was cycling along Melbury Avenue, Poole, near the junction with Milborne Crescent, when a man asked him for the time and if he could borrow his mobile phone.

After using the phone he gave it back to the victim, but when the boy tried getting back on his bike the man grabbed it by the handlebars and shook them forcing him to let go.

The man then cycled off on the bike – a red, white and black Scott mountain bike worth £2,600 – in the direction of Turbary Road.

Police Constable Chantelle Gosney, of Poole police, said: “The victim was left feeling very distressed and I have been conducting a number of enquiries to try and identify the offender, including carrying out house-to-house visits and checking local CCTV footage.

“I have now obtained an image of the stolen bike and am appealing to anyone who recognises it, or has seen a similar bike for sale in unusual circumstances, to please get in touch.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has any information about who was responsible for the robbery.”

The robbery took place around 4.50pm on Tuesday, March 3.

Dorset Police have only just released the image. (March 18)

The robber is described is white, five feet eight inches tall and of average build.

He was wearing a dark blue tracksuit top and bottoms.

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 55200033520.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.