POLICE in Basingstoke have issued an E-fit image of a boy they would like to speak to in connection with an attempted robbery.

The incident occurred between 3.15pm and 3.30pm on Tuesday, January 15 in the underpass that runs under the A339 in Popley near to the Apollo hotel.

The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was approached by the youth who asked what he had in his pockets and began to search by patting him down.

Nothing was stolen as the victim managed to hit the offender who then cycled off in the direction of Winklebury.

The suspect is described as being white, aged 15 or 16, 5ft 2ins, of stocky build with brown hair brushed forward and to one side. He has brown eyes and the lower part of his face was covered with a black cycling mask with yellow markings. He was wearing a black-and-white Nike hooded top with navy blue or black jeans and black-and-white Vans trainers.

PC Tom Prutz from Basingstoke police station said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident, or who recognises the boy pictured in the E-fit image.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Prutz at Basingstoke police station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.