Police are appealing for witnesses after a 67-year-old man was attacked and robbed in Harpenden on Saturday.

At approximately 7.20pm the victim was approached from behind as he was getting into his car, when the thief demanded he hand over his wallet before punching him to the side of the face.

The victim fell to the floor before the criminal grabbed him around the neck and then searched his pockets. The thief took a hair brush, perhaps mistaking it for something more valuable, and ran off towards Arcadian Court.

The victim suffered bruising and cuts to his face and was left shaken by the incident.

Detective Sergeant Carolyn Taylder said: "A man and woman went to help the victim and it is also believed there was a man sitting in his car near the exit of the car park around the time of the incident. I would appeal to these people to contact me with information as they may have witnessed something vital.

"I would also appeal to anyone who was in Sun Lane prior to the attack as a man approached the victim there asking for the time."

Anyone with information should contact DS Taylder via the Herts police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number F2/14/171. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.