DETECTIVES have released a description in the hunt for robbers who left a man unconscious in the Bedford Place area of Southampton.

The 33-year-old victim was targeted in Salisbury Street between 2am and 2.30am on Saturday.

Police said one man asked him the time before a second hit him on the side of the head with an unknown object.

The group, consisting of either three or four men, then kicked the victim and stamped on his hands as he laid helpless on the ground before stealing his wallet containing just over £100.

Today detectives revealed the first man who had asked the time was white, aged 18 or 19, 5ft 7in, skinny, clean shaven with straight brown collar-length hair worn with a centre parting.

At the time of the attack, he wore a white T-shirt, jeans and hip-length sports jacket.

The victim, who has not been named, suffered severe bruising to his face, ear, arms, hands and body.

DC Keith Bailey, of Southampton Central CID, said: "This was an unprovoked and nasty assault, which could easily have been more serious."

Call Southampton Central CID on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 with any information.