A THUG hit a man with a brick before making off with his mobile phone.

The attack happened just after 1am on Sunday, May 16, near the footbridge that crosses Ringway West and connects the town centre with South Ham.

As the 40-year-old victim approached the footbridge near Goodman Close, Kings Furlong, he saw a group of three men and two women.

As he passed them, one of the men hit him with a brick and then stole his phone.

The victim suffered cuts and bruises to his face and was taken to Basingstoke hospital for treatment.

One of the gang is described as white, of slim build, aged between 18 and 20 and wore a grey hooded top.

Another man is described as of mixed race with short, black curly hair. The two women are said to be white, around 5ft 5ins tall with shoulder length blonde hair.

PC Alexander Hall, of the Basingstoke Targeted Patrol Team, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack that has left the victim with injuries requiring hospital treatment.

“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and we want to hear from anyone who have information about what happened.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Hall at Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.