Police are appealing for a man who may have witnessed a robbery in Portsmouth, to come forward.
The incident happened shortly after midnight on Saturday (Oct 23) on Old Commercial Road.
The victims, a boy and girl both aged 17, were walking home towards Hilsea through Old Commercial Road when a man grabbed the girl’s handbag and punched the boy in the face. He then threatened the pair with further violence before running off.
The offender was described as a white man in his 40s, wearing an orange t-shirt. The bag was a New Look leopard print holdall and contained a bus pass, pink and white Skullcandy headphones, a Tatty Teddy purse, cash and a Blackberry mobile phone.
Some items were later recovered but the bag, purse and headphones are yet to be found. These items are thought to have been discarded or hidden between Old Commercial Road and Lake Road and anyone who may have seen or recovered these items is asked to contact police.
The victims also remember a man walking past them as the robbery took place. Police would like to speak to this man and anyone else who may have seen the incident or a man matching the offender’s description before or after the robbery.
Anyone with any information is asked to call DC John Briggs on 101.
Alternatively, call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
Callers from outside Hampshire can use 0845 045 45 45.
