THREE thugs robbed and racially abused a man as he was walking alone along a Hampshire footpath.

The victim, of oriental origin, was grabbed by two black youths on the path between Botley Road and Yew Tree Drive, in Whiteley.

A white youth then searched his jacket pockets and stole his cigarettes and a lighter.

It is alleged that the offenders then racially abused the victim, before running off.

Police have issued these descriptions as they step up the hunt for the robbers.

Suspect one was white, about 16-18-years old and 5ft 7ins tall. He was well built with short blond curly hair, pale complexion with freckles, square shaped face, and deep set green eyes.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a light blue hoodie with a GAP logo across the chest, white tracksuit bottoms, white Nike trainers and grey gloves.

Suspect two was black, about 16-18-years-old, 5ft 9ins tall, slim build, black, braided hair.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a light grey hoodie and light grey tracksuit bottoms with black stripe down the side, dark trainers and black gloves.

The third wanted man is described as black, about 16-18-years-old,5ft 8ins tall plump build.

At the time he was wearing a light grey hoodie with the hood over a Yankees baseball cap, light grey tracksuit bottoms and black gloves.