POLICE are hunting a street robber after a 17-year-old Trowbridge youth was punched to the ground in a night-time mugging.

The boy was walking along Wyke Road, Hilperton, between the junction of Kings Gardens and Tudor Drive, at 9.50pm on Thursday, when he was attacked from behind.

A mugger punched him to the ground and stole his CD walkman and headphones, worth £50.

The victim, who has been left shaken by the assault, had called in at the Hilperton Marsh garage and shop to buy a phone card, just moments before the robbery.

Police believe the attacker then ran off in the direction of Tudor Drive, but could have targeted other victims during the night. He was wearing a light blue tracksuit top with white stripes on the sleeves and dark trousers, possibly tracksuit bottoms.

He was white, 6ft, about 25-30 years old, unshaven, with short black hair.

PC Shaun Thomas said he hoped any eyewitnesses would come forward to help catch the robber.

"It would appear that this was a totally unprovoked attack. We appeal to anyone who has suffered a similar attack in the area to contact the police."

Meanwhile detectives are continuing their investigations into a string of robberies in and around Trowbridge town centre. Four suspects have been arrested and released on police bail in connection with street muggings over the past two months.