Police are appealing for witnesses to help them identify a man wanted in connection with an assault in Alton last night (Friday, January 3).

At around 11.15pm, a 23-year-old man left The Railway public house in Station Road, Alton, and was walking to his nearby home when he was approached by a man.

The stranger followed him home, where he assaulted him, and then forced him to go to Kings Pond, where the assault continued. He then made off on foot. The attacker made threats to harm the victim with a knife, but no weapon was seen.

The suspect is described as:

• White
• Early 20s
• 5ft 8ins - 6ft tall
• Medium to muscular build
• Dark hair
• Possibly wearing jogging bottoms.
• He spoke with a soft Welsh accent.

Acting Detective Inspector Phil Bateman, leading the investigation, said:

"We do believe that this is an isolated incident, but it is important that we find the man responsible as swiftly as possible.

"We urge anybody who saw him or think they know who he is to contact us and help us identify him."