Officers investigating a public order incident in Poole are appealing for witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Dorset Police received a report at 3.45pm on Friday, 13 February 2026, concerning an incident at the Three phone shop in High Street. It was alleged that a customer became aggressive towards a member of staff inside the store.
According to police, the man is reported to have made threats to kill during the confrontation. While the incident is understandably distressing for those involved, officers confirmed that no physical contact took place and no injuries were sustained.
The suspect has been described as approximately five feet ten inches tall, with short dark hair. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing blue jeans, a black top and a bumbag featuring distinctive red stripes.
Sergeant Mark Rice, of Dorset Police, said officers are treating the matter seriously and are pursuing lines of enquiry to establish the identity of the individual involved.
“No one deserves to be subjected to abuse in their place of work and we are carrying out enquiries to identify the person responsible,” he said. “I would ask anyone who has information about the incident or the identity of the man involved to please come forward.”
Incidents involving threats or abusive behaviour towards retail staff have been a growing concern nationally, with police forces and shop workers’ unions highlighting the impact such behaviour can have on employees’ wellbeing. While no one was physically harmed in this case, officers are keen to stress that threats of violence are taken seriously and can constitute criminal offences.
Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was in the High Street area at the time and may have witnessed the incident or captured footage on a mobile phone or dashcam that could assist the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260021824. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, either through its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
