A DOG walker was punched and kicked by a masked man in a “random and vicious” attack.
The 20-year-old was walking at Ifield Mill Pond in Crawley.
It happened there at 2pm on Thursday this week.
He was approached by a man who demanded he hand over his mobile phone.
When the victim refused, he was assaulted.
But the attacker did not expect the victim would put up a fight and shout out to get attention, and fled with a second man when passers-by shouted at him.
Police say the victim needed hospital treatment for injuries to his face and leg.
One suspect is a stocky black man, 6ft tall and aged about 19 or 20. He wore a plain black hooded top with the hood up, a black face mask, black tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.
Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon said: “This was a random and vicious attack.
“The motive was robbery but the suspect clearly didn’t expect the response of the young man or the attention of passers-by.”
Police have launched an investigation into the attempted robbery.
Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1172 of 10/09.
Information can also be reported to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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