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

The incident occurred at around 2.45pm last Friday, June 3.

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 old Molson Coors brewery when he was approached from behind by a man who demanded money.

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

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid 20s to early 30s, 5ft 8ins tall 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.

Detective Constable Heidi Boyd, from Basingstoke CID, said: "Were you in the area at the time of this incident? Did you see a man matching the description of the suspect? I would like to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation".

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that may assist in identifying the suspect, should call DC Heidi Boyd at Basingstoke CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.