DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in Alton.

The incident occurred at around 2.45pm last Friday when the victim, a 23-year-old man, was walking in the direction of Lower Turk Street along a pathway which runs beside the railway line, behind the Molson Coors brewery site. He was approached from behind by an unknown man who demanded money.

The victim refused to hand over any money and was hit in the face, causing a nose bleed. He then hit the suspect, who fled empty handed along the pathway in the direction of Paper Mill Lane.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged mid-20s to early-30s, around 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build, with hairy hands. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a faded plain black hooded top with the hood up under his hat, and faded black jogging bottoms.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Heidi Boyd said: “Were you in the area at the time of this incident? Did you see a man matching the description of the suspect?”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that may assist in identifying the suspect, should call DC Boyd at Basingstoke CID on 101.

Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.