A MIDDLE-AGED woman sent a would-be robber packing by hitting him over the head with a bottle of wine.

The intended victim struck back after being targeted as she walked down a quiet New Forest road on Friday evening.

The 55-year-old woman was walking down Barton Croft in Barton-on-Sea between 6.30pm and 7pm when she was approached by a man in his twenties who tried to rob her.

Police said she struck him with a small bottle of wine she was carrying and he pushed her to the ground before running off in the direction of Solent Drive.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone with information, particularly a middle-aged woman in a white coat who was cycling down Barton Croft at the time and is likely to have seen what happened.

The victim was shocked but otherwise unhurt.

The man is described as in his early twenties, around 5ft 7in, of medium build and with thick black hair. He was wearing a short black jacket, dark trousers and shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Naomi Mellish at Lyndhurst CID on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.