THREE young 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, Whiteley. A white youth then searched his jacket pockets and stole his cigarettes and a lighter.

The first attacker was white, about 16 to 18 years and 5ft 7in. He was well-built with short blond curly hair, pale complexion with freckles, square-shaped face and deep set green eyes. He was wearing a light blue hoody with a GAP logo across the chest, white tracksuit bottoms, white Nike trainers and grey gloves.

The second attacker was black, 16 to 18 years, 5ft 9in, of slim build with black braided hair. He was wearing a light grey hoody and light grey tracksuit bottoms with a black stripe down the side, dark trainers and black gloves.

The third wanted man is described as black, about 16 to 18 years, 5ft 8in with a plump build. He was wearing a light grey hoody with the hood over a Yankees baseball cap, light grey tracksuit bottoms and black gloves.

The incident happened on Wednesday at about 9.15am. Any information contact Park Gate police station on 0845 045 4545.