Police in Portsmouth are renewing their appeal for information after an attempted robbery on Monday, March 9, by releasing efit images of the offenders.
At 9.30pm, a 21-year-old woman was walking down Fratton Road, near to Newcombe Road and the Electric Arms pub, on her way home from work. A man came past her and grabbed her handbag as he did so.
The woman kept hold of the bag, struggling with the man. At the same time another man was stood behind her and pulled at her belt, causing her to stop and stand still. One of the men then attempted to punch the woman in the face, an action she blocked by raising one of her arms.
The woman had not let go of the bag, and at this point both men simply 
ran away.
The first man is described as:
- White
- Between 15 and 19 years old
- Slim build
- 5ft 6ins tall
- Acne on his face
- Mousey or dark brown hair, which was covered by a baseball cap
- Wearing a dark blue tracksuit top, which had a strip across the middle and yellow piping on either side of the stripe
The second man is described as:
- White
- Around 5ft 5ins tall
- Slim build
- Short blond hair, work in a spiky style
- Wearing a dark suit with a white t-shirt that had graffiti style writing on the front The offenders did not take the bag, and the woman was shaken up but uninjured.
Detective Constable Mel Sinclair said, “This incident was very frightening for the woman involved and we are working to try and identify these young men as soon as possible. Do you recognise them or have you seen them before? If you think you can help please contact me as soon as possible.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Mel Sinclair at Fratton police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.
