THREE masked men left a man with a large cut in the back of his head after trying to rob a Hampshire pub.

Police have launched a search for the men, who entered the Alma Inn pub in Upham at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, May 2.

Officers say the men, who were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered, assaulted the 30-year-old staff member with a large cut to back of his head which required stitches and cuts to his lip.

He was opening the on-site cash machine, but the attackers left empty-handed.

Police are now appealing for people who saw anyone acting suspiciously or a vehicle leaving the scene at the time of the incident to call 101 quoting 44180162560. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.