A CCTV image has been released following the theft of a car in Basingstoke.

At approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday April 4, the 47-year-old victim found his car and house keys missing from his jacket pocket while he was inside the Maidenhead Inn, in Winchester Street.

He left the pub and entered Castons Yard Car Park in New Road where he saw a man sat in his car.

The victim approached the car and tried to open the driver’s door, but was knocked to the floor as the vehicle drove off.

The car, a black Alfa Romeo, left the scene via New Road and was located by police later that afternoon on Wessex Close.

The man driving the car has been described as:

•        European
•        Slim
•        Around 5ft 8ins tall
•        Short dark Hair
•        Wearing a dark woollen top

Police have now released an image of the man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

PC Teresa Webster said: “Do you recognise the man in the picture? We would like to identify him as he may have information to assist our enquiries.

“In addition, we would like to hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the pub at this time, or saw an incident involving a black Alfa Romeo in Caston’s Yard car park outside.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Webster on 101, quoting 44170125909, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.