Kent Police officers in Thanet are trying to trace a cyclist who could be an important witness to the robbery of a 20-year-old man in Ramsgate.

The grey-haired man, who had glasses and was wearing a cycle helmet and fluorescent jacket, rode past as the young man was being pushed up against a wall in the alleyway leading from Margate Road to Station Approach Road at about 5pm on Thursday 10 December 2009.

The victim was approached by two men, one of whom threatened him with a kitchen knife and demanded his wallet. The man tried to push them away but he was punched in the face and head. They went through his pockets taking a wallet, mobile phone, MP3 player and headphones and a carrier bag with Christmas presents inside.

Description of the offenders

The men are described as aged in their 20s, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall and wearing dark hooded tops.

Detective Constable Paul Francklin who is investigating the robbery said: 'This was a nasty robbery and the man received a cut and swollen lip and bruising to his head.

Are you the cyclist who may be able to help?

'We believe the cyclist may be able to help us identify these men – perhaps he did not realise what was happening when he rode past and thought the men were just messing around or he did not want to get involved and put himself at risk. We would urge him to contact the police as soon as possible – he may think he cannot help us but let us judge that after talking to him.'

Det Con Francklin can be contacted on 01843 222105.

Posted on: 17 December 2009