A CYCLIST had his phone stolen by the passenger of a passing car in the early hours of yesterday.

The 43-year-old victim was cycling along Pack Lane, from Basingstoke towards Oakley, when a car drew up alongside him.

The passenger of the Ford Fiesta reached out and grabbed the victim’s white and gold iPhone 6, which was in a holder strapped to his arm.

The incident, which took place at around 4.45am on Tuesday, caused the cyclist to fall on to the verge, although he did not sustain any injuries with the car driving off towards Oakley.

The car is described as a faded old-style Ford Fiesta, with distinctive black wheel arches and modified wheels. It had a loud exhaust and a rattling engine.

The cyclist described the passenger’s arm as white with a sun tan.

Detective Constable Jo Martindale, of Basingstoke CID, said: “We believe that the offenders may be from the local area, so we would like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of this distinctive vehicle.”

Anyone with information should call DC Martindale on 101, quoting 44160268924 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.