POLICE are hunting two men who tried to rob a walker on a country pathway next to Middlewich Road near Crewe.

The 21-year-old was confronted by the duo, one of whom pointed a knife at him before the other punched him to the floor in the early hours of Tuesday morning (June 22).

After heading out of Nantwich the man had been making his way towards Alvaston Hall Hotel along the pedestrian/cycle pathway which runs alongside the A530 when the two men came across him.

They demanded his belongings, but after realising he had nothing of value they set upon him and left him on the floor before they fled the scene.

Detectives want to speak to a passing motorist who stopped to help the victim, who did not suffer any serious injuries. He was later discharged from hospital.

The first robber is described as 5ft 9 tall, of slim build and around 18 to 25 years old. He was wearing a plain black beanie hat, black Covid mask and dark Nike tracksuit and trainers.

The second offender is 6ft 1 tall of medium build with short black hair. He was around the same age as the first suspect.

He was wearing a dark Nike tracksuit and trainers and a black Covid mask. Both spoke with local accents.

Det. Con John Horsham said: "Thankfully the victim didn't suffer any serious injuries and nothing was taken. We would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam which has captured the event or suspects to contact us.

"I'd particularly like to appeal to the occupants of a small dark vehicle who stopped and spoke to the victim moments after the incident to come forward to help us with our enquiries."

The attempted robbery happened at 12.45am on Tuesday morning.

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website quoting IML 1019344.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.