Two men reportedly attempted to abduct a four-month-old baby yesterday in front of its terrified mother, Dorset Police has revealed.

The force responded to a report at about 3pm on Friday June 10 that while a woman was pushing her baby in a pushchair in Evering Avenue, Poole, she was approached by two men in a white van.

The men got out of the van, grabbed her pushchair and tried to snatch the baby from it.

Fortunately the quick-thinking mother kicked out at one of the men and the pair got back in the van leaving the baby with its mother, unharmed.

One of the men is described as white, six feet two inches tall, aged in his 30s and of medium build with short dark brown hair. 

He was wearing a black vest, black trousers and black trainers. He had a tattoo on his right hand.

The second man is described as white, six feet two inches tall and of medium build with short stubble. 

He was also wearing black clothing as well as a thin silver chain around his neck.

At present the motive behind the incident is not known and police are appealing for anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward. 

Detective Inspector Katie Starkie, of Bournemouth CID, said: 'This was understandably a very distressing incident for the mother involved and we have launched a full investigation. 

'At the moment the motive for these men's actions remains unclear and we are doing all we can to identify them.

'Our enquiries include house-to-house, a review of CCTV footage in the area and forensic work.

'I would urge any residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, as well as any motorists with dashcam who were in the area, to please check their footage for anything that might assist our investigation.

'I appreciate reports of this nature are likely to cause concern for the local community. 

'There will be an increased police presence in the area as we continue to investigate this incident and officers can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.'