A Winchester car park attendant is recovering after being attacked by a hammer-wielding thug.

It happened on Tuesday, at about 4.30pm, after a passer-by saw the man take a cashbox from the attendant's kiosk, at The Wessex Hotel, in Paternoster Row.

Alerted, the 54-year-old attendant, from Stanmore, set off in pursuit. But when he caught him, the robber pulled out a hammer and hit him on the back, forcing him to let go. As he did so, a screwdriver fell from his pocket.

The cashbox, containing a few pounds, was found nearby. Police say the attendant, who was not seriously hurt, is recovering after his ordeal.

General manager of The Wessex, John Richardson, praised the action of the attendant, who did not wish to be named. "Irrespective of the value, I think he was making a point, that it is not right to think you can take possessions and get away with it.

"For the valiant effort he made, he got attacked. We are fortunate to have men like him. People need to be aware that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable."

Mr Richardson thanked those who helped the injured man and also the police. Officers would like to hear from any other witnesses.

The thug is said to be a white male aged 18-23, of slim build and 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall. He wore a dark blue-hooded top with front pockets, dark blue, loose-fitting trousers and light grey shoes. Anyone who can help is asked to phone the crime desk on 0845 045 45 45.

* Three men were arrested outside the Somerfield supermarket, in Winchester High Street, last Thursday. Police were called at 4.50pm after shop security staff had detained a man who had stolen two bottles of alcohol, trying to conceal them down the legs of his trousers.

A scuffle ensued when two of the thief's friends tried to free him from police and security staff. They were both arrested and one was charged with assault and the other was charged with a public order offence, but let off with a caution.

The shoplifter was charged with theft.