A MAN left a mobile phone with a seller as he test-rode a bike – but made off with the bicycle and has not returned.

Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened at an address in Colehill on January 26.

Officers said a man attended the address to purchase a bike he had seen advertised for sale on Gumtree.

He asked to ride the bike in the driveway, but subsequently rode off from the victim’s address.

The offender left a phone with the victim as a deposit, however, he did not return to collect it.

The bike is described as a Cannondale Trail Neo S 3 electric mountain bike.

Police Community Support Investigator Kate Hann, of East Dorset police, said: “An investigation is ongoing to try and identify the suspect and locate the stolen bike.

“As part of my enquiries, I am issuing an image of the bike in the hope that someone may have seen it for sale locally in unusual circumstances.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public to be cautious when selling high-value items online.

“Where possible, meet the buyer in person with a friend or relative before making the sale or transferring any money.

“Always obtain as much information as you can about the buyer, including registration number for any vehicles they may arrive in. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t give over your item before payment.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230015245.

They can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.