POLICE hunting a car thief who stole a vehicle after pretending to be an online buyer have released an efit in the search for him.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, a 55-year-old man advertised the Audi RS4 for sale on the website Gumtree and was contacted by a prospective buyer.

The pair met on Mallow Road at around 6.30pm, Sunday, January 11, and the victim took the prospective buyer for a test drive round the area and back again.

When they got out of the car, the suspect pushed the victim to the ground, took the keys and drove off.

The male suspect is described as between 28 and 30-years-old, of an Indian Asian appearance, and about 5ft 7 with short black, straight hair.

He was clean shaven with pock marks on the left-hand side of his face.

He was wearing blue jeans and a Northface type, dark, lightweight, waterproof jacket.

The victim suffered only minor injuries, but was left shocked at what happened.

DC Maryann Attard-Charrett said “We’re following a number of lines of enquiries to try and trace the vehicle and the suspect.

“Do you recognise the description of the suspect or know anything about the man, who used the name ‘Lewi’?

“I’d also like to hear from anyone with information about the stolen vehicle, registration YK51 BBF. It’s a rare performance car in 'Avus Silver' which can look a pale purple colour, but mainly looks silver, which is a distinctive colour.

"Have you spotted it or been offered it for sale, possibly at below its market value price?”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Maryann Attard-Charrett at Southampton Police Station on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.