Police Appeal for Witnesses After Assault and Robbery in Southampton City Centre

Date: 29 June, 2025

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a robbery that took place in Southampton on the morning of Thursday, 26 June.

The incident occurred between 7am and 7.30am, when a 31 year old woman was walking along Houndwell Place, on the same side of the road as the former Debenhams store. She was approached by a man who demanded her purse.

When the woman refused, the man punched her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. He then kicked her while she was on the floor. She subsequently handed over her purse before fleeing the scene along Queensway.

The victim sustained bruising to her face and reported pain in her hip and abdomen following the assault.

The stolen purse is described as yellow, approximately 15cm long, and contained £100 in £20 notes, along with several bank and store cards.

Police have released a description of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. He is described as Black, in his 20s, of slim but muscular build, with a short beard. He was wearing a black top, black shoes, and a black hat at the time of the incident.

Officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery, or who may have any relevant CCTV, dash cam, or mobile phone footage from the area at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting crime reference number 44250281600, or by visiting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via their website.