Detectives have issued an appeal for witnesses following an attempted robbery and assault at Lawn Road, between Portswood Road and St Denys. {!jomcomment}

Police say a 20-year-old man was walking along Lawn Road towards St Denys train station at about 8.45pm on Tuesday, September 24, when a youth ran out from the children's play park, stopped in front of him and demanded his mobile phone.

The victim refused and pushed the youth out of the way. He was then jumped from behind by another two youths, knocked to the ground and kicked several times.

The man struggled free and ran to the train station, where he alerted police. The youths ran in an unknown direction, possibly down Lawn Road towards Lodge Road. No weapons were seen, and the man received minor injuries.

The attackers are all thought to be aged 16 –17, white, and were wearing gloves. The first was 5ft 6ins tall and of slight build. He wore a black hooded top with the hood up and had a black scarf over his face.

The second was 5ft 9 – 10ins tall with blond hair in an inch-long front quiff. He wore an all grey tracksuit. The third wore an all black tracksuit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Hewitt on 101.