A man who was walking to his friends house was accosted by three robbers who stopped in a silver BMW.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the attempted robbery in Derby Road at 9.40pm on Sunday, January 31.

The man was walking along Derby Road towards a friend’s house, when the BMW pulled up alongside him.

Three men got out of the car, stopped him and demanded his phone and property, after telling the robbers he didn’t have a phone they attacked him.

Another car is said to have pulled up and another man got out and joined the other three men in searching the victim for any valuables.

The man managed to get away from the robbers and ran off towards Parsons Mead. They then returned to the car and the car made off down Derby Road.

Three of the men who got out of the silver BMW were described as black men in their early 20s. The driver of the BMW was described as white man in his early 20s.

Detective constable Ian Stone of Croydon CID, investigating the incident said: "I’m appealing for anyone who was in the Derby Road area at the time to come forward and help us with our enquiries.

“It would have been quite busy there, so if you saw the car or any of the suspects, then we want to hear from you.

“This was a violent attack and we want to do all we can to catch up with those responsible to stop it happening again."

Anyone who did see anything should contact Croydon CID on 020 8649 1377 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Did you see what happened or were you in the area? Let us know in the comments section below or call the newsdesk on 020 8330 9558