A ROBBER who was wearing surf shorts held a terrified walker at knifepoint before demanding his wallet and phone.

The “chubby” thief came at the 31-year-old victim with a blade as he was making his way along Bath Lane in Fareham.

He ordered the man to hand over his wallet and phone - but ran off empty handed in the direction of Gosport Road when a cyclist rode past.

The robber is described as a white man with a chubby build, 5ft 8ins tall, 18-20-years-old, wearing a grey hooded top, surfing style shorts and trainers.

The victim was uninjured.

DC Barbara Hamilton from Fareham CID said: “We're appealing for any witnesses in the area at the time who may have seen this man, in particular the cyclist who disturbed the offender.

“The victim did not see anyone else around but the suspects clothing are fairly distinctive for this time of year. Has anyone seen a person matching this description?

“Please be always vigilant when out and about walking alone, think about your personal safety and consider staying in well lit public areas.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, on Monday at 5.40pm, should DC Hamilton at Fareham police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.