A TESCO shopper was punched in the face in a late-night robbery on County Road.

Police have appealed for the public's help to track down the man they believe to be responsible for the incident.

The 50-year-old victim was said to have been waiting at the bus stop on County Road, near the junction with Colbourne Street, at around 10.20pm on Wednesday night after a shopping trip to the nearby Tesco. He was approached by a man, who had walked from the direction of Manchester Road.

The man asked for a cigarette, then demanded his victim hand over cash. The shopper said he didn't have any money and began walking off along Colbourne Street. His attacker punched him in the face, then looked through his bags. He did not take anything and fled towards County Road.

PC Beckie Diamon said: “The victim sustained cuts and severe swelling to his eye as a result of the incident, and required stitches. He was left feeling shaken up.

“We are really keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around County Road and Colbourne Street yesterday evening who may be able to help us identify the person involved. It is believed that there was another man at the bus stop when the victim was initially approached by the man and we would be keen to speak to him.

“We also believe a man in a vehicle stopped and spoke to the victim after the incident and we need to speak to this person as well.”

The suspect is described as white, approximately 5 ft 7 ins tall. He was wearing a navy blue baseball cap, a navy blue Fred Perry t-shirt and blue jeans. His speech was slurred and he had no obvious accent.

Know who it was? Call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.