Man Punched and Robbed in Broad Daylight on Portsmouth Street
A 35-year-old man was attacked and robbed while walking down Fratton Road in Portsmouth at around 10.45pm on Sunday, January 31.
Thugs Demand Cigarettes Before Brutal Assault
A group of youths approached the man, asking him to buy them cigarettes. When he refused, one of the youths punched him square in the face, causing him to drop his bag.
The assailant then grabbed the bag and fled down Garnier Street, moving through Murefield Road and onto Arudle Street.
Stolen Loot Includes High-Tech Mini Drone
The stolen bag contained a white Husban Mini Drone, complete with four propellers and a built-in camera – a highly distinctive piece of tech.
Police Hunt Slim Youth with Beanie and Bike
- Offender: White male, late teens to early 20s
- Height: 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins
- Build: Slim
- Clothing: Black beanie style hat, dark hooded jacket, dark tracksuit trousers
- Was seen with a bicycle before the attack
The victim sustained minor facial injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
Witnesses and Businesses Urged to Step Forward
“The male offender was with a group of youths prior to the incident and some of those witnessed the robbery, so we are urging them to come forward and speak to us,” said Detective Constable Samantha Hockley.
“We would also like to hear from any businesses who have been offered a drone for sale since this incident and from any residents in the area who noticed anything suspicious at the time of the assault.
The item stolen is slightly unusual so people might have information about where it is.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately. This robbery on Portsmouth streets highlights the growing problem of violent street crime in the city.
