A MAN was knocked to the ground and kicked in the stomach during an attempted robbery in Widnes.

A 59-year-old man was accosted by two men as he got out of his car on Derwent Road on July 25 at 11.50pm.

They demanded his car keys, which he threw into a garden.

He was then pushed over before being kicked in the stomach by one of the offenders while the other one looked for the keys.

The victim managed to get to his feet and alert the occupiers of a nearby property.

The offenders then walked off along Derwent Road onto Kendal Road.

Both of them were white and are estimated to be in their 20s.

One was of slim build with blond hair and he was around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins.

He was wearing a baseball cap, dark shorts and a dark bubble jacket.

The other had a slimmer build and was slightly shorter, around 5ft 5ins to 5ft 8ins.

He was wearing dark clothing.

One of them spoke with a Widnes accent.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging anyone who recognises the descriptions of the offenders and thinks they may know who they are to get in touch.

The force is also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and thinks they may have witnessed something that may help with the investigation.

DC James Simpson said: “This was a frightening incident that has left the victim extremely shaken up.

"He was taken to hospital with minor injuries but he has since been discharged.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we are determined to find out who the offenders are and bring them to justice.

"I would like to reassure residents that this appears to be an isolated incident and we will be increasing the police presence in the area. Anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Constabulary, quoting incident number 134768, visit cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.