DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in Basingstoke on Sunday.

The incident occurred at 5.30pm as the victim, a 60-year-old local man, walked through the underpass at Cliddesden Road.

He was approached by the suspect who demanded his wallet and mobile phone before attempting to hit him in the face.

The victim was able to protect himself from the punches and refused to hand over any of his property. The suspect then ran off towards the town centre.

The suspect was a white man of about 22-to-25 years of age. He was 5ft 10in, with a pointed nose and blue eyes. He was wearing a dark green, zip-up top with the hood up. He was also wearing blue jeans and trainers.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det Con Hines at Basingstoke police station by telephoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.