A MAN was punched in the face as he walked through Andover.

At some time between 8.40pm and 8.50pm on Friday, 23 November, the 20-year-old victim was walking along Vigo Road, near the junction with Recreation Road, towards Andover town centre.

As he walked, he caught up with a group of four people, one of whom he saw try to trip up another passerby. The same man then grabbed the victim when he tried to walk past them, and punched him in the face.

The victim was treated at Andover War Memorial Hospital for bruising.

The man police want to speak to is described as white, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, with ginger or dark blond hair which looked approximately grade 2 to 3 in length, a short full beard of a similar colour, possibly several days growth. He was of muscular build, about 6ft, wearing denim blue jeans and white Nike trainers and he had a tattoo on the left hand side of his neck which was small and consisted of a name and date next to it, which appeared to be black in colour.

Pc Gareth Mahoney said: “There were a number of people in the area at the time of the assault who may have witnessed what happened, and we are keen to trace them. “We are particularly keen to speak to the passerby who the offender tried to trip up, and who stopped to check on the welfare of the victim after he was assaulted. “If you are this person, or you know who this person is, please get in touch with us.

“I would urge anyone with any information to make contact with us at the earliest opportunity.”

Anyone with any information should contact Pc Mahoney at Andover police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.