Police have appealed for help to catch an attacker who robbed a man in broad daylight in an alleyway in Clacton town centre.

The victim was hit in the face and knocked to the ground before the robber made off with cash from his pockets.

The 23-year-old, who has not been named, went to Clacton Hospital but was not seriously injured.

Acting Det Sgt Del Smith said today: "It was a very nasty incident and the aggrieved was shaken up and upset. He was punched hard in the face and has a black eye."

The victim was walking in the alleyway off High Street, between Somerfield and a dance school, when he was approached by the man who asked him for a cigarette.

When he refused, the attacker demanded cash, pulled the man back and then punched him, knocking him over.

The victim was stunned and his money was taken as he lay on the floor.

The robber then ran off across a car park and the man followed him to the junction of Station Road and Carnarvon Road where he lost him.

"It was the middle of the day," said Acting Det Sgt Smith.

"Someone might have seen the attack or seen the man make his escape. We would like to hear from anyone who has any information on the incident which happened at 1.30pm on Monday."

The attacker was 20-25 years-old, had a skinhead haircut and a scar on his face.

He was 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing blue Reebok trainers, black trousers and a blue and white ski jacket.

Anyone who can help police should contact Clacton Police Station on 01255 221312 or Clacton Crimeline on 01255 254099.

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