A witness appeal has been launched after a man was assaulted and robbed.

A man in his 50s was walking from the Londis store in Archer Road, Stevenage, towards Sloane Court on Thursday when a man on a bike hit him on the head, knocking him over.

The cyclist then stole cash and alcohol from the victim before punching another man several times after he witnessed the incident and attempted to detain him.

Three women in a passing black Volkswagen Golf stopped and confronted the man on the bike but he cycled away.

The robber is described by police as aged between 20-30, over 6ft tall and of stocky build.

He had cropped hair and was wearing dark clothing and a black and white baseball cap.

Det Con Graeme Anness is investigating.

He said: “The victims were lucky to not be more seriously injured. We are investigating these incidents fully and would like to trace the women in the Golf as quickly as possible as they may be able to assist us.

“If this was you, or you know who the women were, please contact me straight away. Equally, anyone else who may have witnessed the incidents or believes they know the identity of the offender should contact me.”

Anyone with information can call DC Anness via police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference E1/14/5469. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.