SUFFOLK Police are appealing for witnesses today, following a robbery in an alleyway in Bury St Edmunds.A 55-year-old man from the town was walking along the alleyway leading from Ipswich Court to Long Breckland at approximately 5.15pm on Boxing Day when he was approached and grabbed from behind.

SUFFOLK Police are appealing for witnesses today, following a robbery in an alleyway in Bury St Edmunds.

A 55-year-old man suffered injuries in the vicious attack.

The resident of the town was walking along an alleyway leading from Ipswich Court to Long Breckland at approximately 5.15pm on Boxing Day, when he was approached and grabbed from behind.

The offender held the victim in a headlock, knocking off his glasses, and made a search of his pockets.

He removed a mobile phone, some keys and a wallet.

He also stole a bag containing alcohol and cigarettes, before knocking the man to the ground and heading off in the direction of St John's Street.

The offender is described as male, white, and approximately 6ft tall. He was about 30 years old.

Detective Sergeant John Brocklebank, from Bury St Edmunds CID said: "This was a particularly nasty attack leaving the victim extremely shaken with a slight cut to the nose and a sore throat.

"We would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or noticed anyone hanging around or acting suspiciously in the area of Ipswich Court and Long Breckland at the time of the offence."

Anyone with any information is asked to call DS Brocklebank at Bury CID on 01284 774100, or contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111.