A MAN has been stabbed during a vicious attack in Hampshire.

The victim, a 29-year-old man, was walking along Hobart Road in New Milton on Monday at about 11pm when the attack happened.

He was approached by two men who asked him for a cigarette.

When he told them he did not have any, they both punched him once in the face.

He ran away, but they caught up with him and one of the men stabbed him in the leg with what is believed to be a penknife.

They then ran away in the direction of Gore Road.

The men are described as about 20 years old and wearing black and blue hooded tops.

The victim was left with a bruised face and a small puncture wound to his upper right leg.

Detective Mark Bradley said: “Attacks like this are very unusual in the New Forest and we'd like to find the men responsible as quickly as possible.

“If anyone believes they saw anything suspicious in the area at around the time of the assault or they think they saw the attackers then please get in touch.

“They can call me at Lyndhurst CID on 101 or if they prefer they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”