Appeal after man robbed by group of youths in Southsea

We’re appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed by a group of youths in Southsea.

Between 8pm and 9pm on Tuesday 11 December, the 31-year-old was driving through Southsea and pulled up next to the Eastfield Hotel on Prince Albert Road, when he was approached by approximately five young men.

One member of the group asked him for a lighter before another member struck him with what has been described as a wooden pole.

The victim was then assaulted by the group who stole cash and his mobile phone.

We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw a group of 5-10 teenage boys or young men in the area around this time.

Some of them had bicycles.

Officers have arrested three people on suspicion of robbery as part of this investigation. They are:

• A 15-year-old boy from Portsmouth
• A 16-year-old boy from Southsea
• A 16-year-old boy from Fratton

They have been released from custody but remain under investigation.