AN ELDERLY man returning a trolley to a Poole supermarket bay turned to see a thief run towards his electric bike and pedal off on it.

The victim, who is in his 80s, was leaving the Tesco store in Poole Road, Branksome when the incident happened at around 10.15am on Tuesday, January 21.

Police investigating the theft say the victim had put his shopping on his bike before leaving it to return his trolley. As he walked back, he saw a man run towards the bike and ride off on it down Poole Road towards the Wessex Way.

The bicycle is a black Kalkhoff Agattu 17ah, which cost £2,100 when new three years ago.

Police Community Support Investigator Adam Cleaver, of Poole police, released CCTV images of a man he wants to speak to in connection with the theft.

"This theft has had a huge impact on the victim as the bicycle was his main mode of transport," he said.

“I would also urge anyone who may have seen a bicycle matching the description for sale in unusual circumstances to please get in touch.”

Following the CCTV appeal, a man has been arrested.

Dorset Police said: “Following enquiries, a 20-year-old man of no fixed abode has been arrested on suspicion of the theft of a pedal cycle. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200010298.