A ROBBER headbutted a man in the face and stole his bike.

The victim was travelling along Maldon Road, in Tiptree, when he was grabbed by a man. The attacker demanded he hand over the bike, and when he refused the robber headbutted him in the face.

He rode off on the mountain bike in the direction of Maldon.

The victim called police, who in turn called an ambulance. He suffered bruising to his cheekbone, but declined hospital treatment. Ambulance crews treated him at his Tiptree home.

The robber was described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall and medium build. He had dark blond medium-length hair and wore a blue and black striped top and jeans.

The stolen bike was a black mountain bike with red wheels. It had red designs on the frame and the seat.

Police are checking CCTV in the area but are appealing for anyone with any information about the incident at 9.35pm on Saturday to call Colchester CID on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.