Police in Dunstable are appealing for witnesses after a young man was robbed on a footpath by a BMX bandit

It happened at around 8.35am on Thursday in crime hotspot Dog Kennel Walk, which runs between Dunstable and Houghton Regis.

The bandit on a grey BMX stopped a 20-year-old pedestrian and robbed him of his mobile telephone and personal stereo after knocking him to the ground and punching him in the face.

He made off towards Luton and the victim, who suffered grazing to his hand and reddening to the face, raised the alarm.

PC Leonie Newman, investigating, is keen to speak to anyone who saw the offender, or recognises him from his description.

He is black, 18 to 19-years-old, of medium build, 5ft 10ins tall, with short black hair and brown eyes and wore a black hooded jacket and green Army-style trousers.

PC Newman said: "The victim showed considerable courage in trying to fend off the offender, but he was determined not to leave without the valuables."

Anyone with information can contact PC Newman, in confidence on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Bedfordshire Police