A NEW Forest trader told today how he was left covered in blood after challenging a con man using counterfeit notes.

Fish and chip shop owner Mohammad Afshar was punched in the face after tackling the customer in a newsagent's next to his takeaway in Ashurst.

The 48-year-old leapt into action after realising the

customer had paid for a can of cola with a forged £20 note.

Mr Afshar, a father of three, dashed from the Little Friar to Forest News, where he grabbed the man and told staff to ring the police.

However, things turned nasty when the customer struggled and called for help from friends in a nearby car. A second man intervened and punched Mr Afshar in the face, breaking his nose.

Last night, Mr Afshar told the Daily Echo: "I was suspicious as the guy had quite a few notes in his pocket and was standing by the door, as if he was about to run away. After he left, I checked the note and realised it was a forged one.

"I ran after him and found him next door. I grabbed him and told them to call the police. He was shouting, 'Let me go!'"

Describing the attack, Mr Afshar said: "I noticed some people running towards me.

"The next thing I knew one of them had punched me in the face. I was almost unconscious for about ten

seconds. My face and hands were full of blood."

Witnesses have told police that Mr Afshar was kicked at least once as he lay on the ground.

His attacker and accomplice jumped into a green or grey Mitsubishi Pajero car and sped off towards Lyndhurst.

Mr Afshar, who has owned the Ashurst Road fish and chip shop since 2001, was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where he was treated for a severely swollen and bruised left elbow as well as the injury to his nose.

The attack took place at 6.30pm on Easter Monday, but police did not release details until yesterday.

Mr Afshar's assailants are described as white, aged in their late 20s or early 30s and about 5ft 10in.

Anyone who saw the attack or recognises the description of the men should ring Hythe CID on 0845 045 4545.