POLICE are hunting thieves who stole a man’s shopping and wallet after hitting him in the ribs as he walked through Winwick Quay.

The 28-year-old victim was walking along Chiltern Place with two carrier bags on Wednesday at around 11.30pm when he was approached from behind by two men and a woman.

A police spokesman said: “They grabbed the bags and hit him in the rib cage. The victim then fell to the ground where they searched his pockets and stole his wallet containing a two-figure sum of cash and the carrier bags.”

The trio then ran off towards Winwick Road.

One of the men is described as white, of large build, around 5ft 10in with short hair. He was wearing a dark coloured track suit.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident but police are looking for witnesses who may be able to identify the other offenders.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Richard Kennedy on 01244 614896 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.