POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was mugged and assaulted in River Parade, Chippenham, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 36-year-old Corsham man was walking towards the Porter Black pub at 1am when he heard the sound of people running up to him.

He turned to find two smartly dressed men behind, one of whom pushed him up against a wall and snatched his Nokia 7110 mobile phone, worth £250. The man then punched the victim in the face, before both offenders ran off.

The first man was between 35 and 40 years, six feet tall, of stocky build with short dark, curly hair. He was wearing a black shirt, black trousers and black shoes. The second man, was around 20 years, five feet 9 ins tall, with short dark hair, and was wearing a brown polo neck top, cream coloured trousers and black shoes.

PC Andy Aves said: "I would urge anyone who may have seen the two men to come forward. I would also like to trace the female taxi driver who drove the victim home."

Anyone with information can call police on (01249) 654455.