POLICE are hunting three men who robbed a woman as she walked alone through an alleyway.

Officers were called out at around 7.35pm on Saturday, October 17 to reports that a 36-year-old woman had been attacked on the path between Marley Avenue towards Buckingham Walk in New Milton.

She was approached from behind by the men, who pushed her to the ground and ordered her to hand over whatever she had.

The woman was forced to give them a £20 note and a pack of cigarettes she had just bought.

The men are described as white and in their mid-twenties, all of average build. Two of the men were wearing knitted winter hats and the other a large puffy jacket.

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

Police Staff Investigator Terry Conn of the Western Investigations Team said: “This incident has understandably left the woman very shaken.

"As the nights are growing darker, I urge people to use well-lit pavements and roads, even if you’re only making a short journey.

While acknowledging the latter as sound crime prevention advice, Alan Watson, chairman of New Milton Neighbourhood Watch Group, stressed: “This is quite an odd thing to say though, as New Milton and Barton on Sea are generally very safe places to live. 

“This sort of thing doesn’t generally occur in New Milton, this is a one off.” 

Mr Conn said: “I am appealing to anyone who may know who these men are to come forward. Were you in the Marley Avenue area around this time? Did you see a group of men as described? Please get in contact by ringing 101 and quoting 44150361335.”