POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men tried to rob a dog walker in Brightlingsea.

It happened shortly before 7.40pm on Friday night along an alleyway off Morses Lane.

The victim, a man in his 50s of Brightlingsea, was out walking his white Bichon Frise when he was approached by two white men wearing dark clothing.

One of the men threatened the victim and demanded money.

In a pre-emptive strike, the victim hit the suspect knocking him to the floor and he was then kicked by the second man.

Both suspects made off empty-handed.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Detective Sergeant Dan Jeffries, investigating, said: "It is unlikely anybody would have seen what happened because of the location.

"However, somebody may have seen the men making off after the incident and I would really like to hear from them if they did.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact DS Jeffries at the North CID Team on Essex Police 101.

People can also give information anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.