Robbery attempt near Portsdown Hill

We are appealing for information following the attempted robbery of a dog-walker near Portsdown Hill.

At around 11.20am on Wednesday 27 June, the 20-year-old victim was walking a dog on an area of grass between London Road and the top of Drayton Lane when he was approached by a man asking for help locating a missing dog.

After agreeing to help and walking off to begin searching, the victim turned around to find the man holding a flick knife.

The man made threats and demanded the victim’s mobile phone.

It was reported that a scuffle then took place in which the victim was punched to the face, but the victim was able to get away. Nothing was stolen.

The man has been described as:

• White
• 5ft 9ins tall
• Slim with a broad upper body like a gym-goer or rugby player
• Short dark hair
• Holding a dog lead
• May have cuts or bruising to his face as a result of the scuffle

He was described as wearing a black Adidas Originals pullover with a white logo and grey sweat pants.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or a saw a man matching this description in the area at this time.