A MAN was hit in the face after he chased after two youths who ran off with his cigarettes.

The 32-year-old victim was in Dane Road near to Dane Park, Margate, at about 6.30pm on Sunday when the youngsters approached him. He handed over one cigarette but the packet was grabbed and the youths raced off.

He caught up with them in the park where there was a struggle in which the man was assaulted and his coat, containing his wallet and mobile phone, was stolen.

He later found his coat, minus his wallet that contained £78, and the phone.

The main suspect is white, in his mid to late teens and around 5ft 9ins tall. He had short hair and wore a light-coloured, hooded top with a stripe or mark on the hood, dark trousers and light trainers.

Anyone with infortmation is asked to telephone the crime desk at Margate police station on 01843 222033.