12:02pm Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Andrew Napier
A KNIFE-WIELDING mugger attacked a man on a quiet footpath in Winchester city centre.
The mugging happened on the path between Marston Gate and Hyde Abbey Road yesterday (Monday) at about 11.30am.
A 20-year-old man was walking along the ‘zig-zag’ path when he saw a man standing before him with his back turned.
As the victim tried to walk past, he saw the attacker holding a short-bladed knife of about two inches long.
The suspect then threatened him, demanding his property. The victim surrendered his wallet, containing £60 and a Nokia mobile phone. The mugger then ran off.
Detectives are seeking witnesses and appealing for information. Det Sgt Chris Buse, of Winchester CID, said: “This is an extremely rare incident that has happened in secluded, residential area of Winchester.
“The victim was understandably shaken by this and we are very keen to track down the man responsible.
“We would urge anybody who witnessed the robbery, saw the suspect at any time before or after it happened, or has any information about the man responsible, to contact police as soon as possible.”
The mugger is described as: white, about 25 years old, six foot two inches tall and wearing a brown knee-length waterproof hooded jacket with a fur lining around the hood and black trainers.
Anyone with information should contact Winchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. People from outside Hampshire should contact 0845 045 45 45.
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