POLICE are hunting a thug who threatened a Southampton motorist with a pair of bolt croppers.

The 28-year-old man was in his car reversing into a parking space on Earls Road, Portswood, when a man walked behind his vehicle, making him brake sharply.

As the victim shouted out his car window, the suspect leaned in through the car’s passenger window, wielding a pair of bolt croppers, which he held close to the driver’s face, while demanding his wallet.

The driver got out of his car and walked away but noticed the would-be thief leaning through the car window again, but fled empty handed when noticed he was being watched.

He is described as being of mixed race, in his late 30’s to early 40’s, of a skinny build and with short dark curly hair. He was wearing black sunglasses, blue jeans, a grey t-shirt and a navy blue sleeveless hooded top.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened at around 3.30pm on Saturday, or saw a man matching the suspect’s description in the area around that time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Louise Hawkins at Southampton Central police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.