A 40-YEAR-OLD man was punched to the floor and had his rucksack stolen in an unprovoked attack in Rose Hill.

The man was attacked by three youths in an alleyway between Rose Hill road and Hillsborough Road at around 12:30pm on Sunday.

The stolen bag, which contained a wallet, some food and a bible, was later recovered by three teenagers and returned to the man with only the food missing.

The culprits are described as white, aged between late teens and early 20s and between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall.

One of the men was wearing a light grey sweatshirt.

PC Fiona Lubbock said: “This was an unprovoked attack which left the victim with bruising and cuts to his face.”

Anyone with information should contact Pc Lubbock on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.