A Stevenage man was allegedly punched in the face and head during an attempted robbery in the town on Tuesday.

Detectives are appealing for help to find a cyclist who may have witnessed the incident in London Road on the cycle path opposite the Broadwater Tesco store at around 9.45pm.

The victim, a 29-year-old man, was walking in towards the supermarket when he was approached by three men.

They allegedly held his arms behind his back and demanded his phone. When the victim said he did not have a phone they started to search him and he was punched in the face and head.

He then fell to his knees and the offenders ran off up an alleyway towards Turpin Rise.

Detective Constable Trudi Howell said: “The victim believes that a man cycling up the cycle path on London Road – from the direction of KFC towards the Toby Carvery – may have spooked the offenders.

“We are very keen to trace this man as he may have witnessed the incident or seen the offenders running away.”

If you think you have information that can help the investigation, contact DC Howell on 101, quoting reference 41/32674/19. You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/Report.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.