A man was left with a fractured cheekbone after being robbed and assaulted in Rickmansworth.

The incident happened on The Clump on July 11 at around 11.45am.

Police say a man, in his 50s, went to load tools into his van when he noticed the driver's door was slightly open and wing mirror was pushed in.

He then noticed two men loitering around the van. When he asked them what they were doing, one of the men punched him in the face.

The victim ran away but was chased by the suspects - one of which assaulted him with a metal grease gun that they then stole.

Police said the victim suffered a fractured cheekbone and grazing to his back.

The suspects got into a metallic blue pick up, which police believe was a Ford Range or Isuzu, and then drove off.

The first suspected has been described as white and of large build with short, light brown hair and was wearing a blue tracksuit top.

The second suspect has been described as white and of slim to medium build with black hair and was wearing a blue polo shirt.

Detective Constable Vanessa Gottmann from Three Rivers local crime unit said: "This was a nasty attack and has resulted in the victim requiring an operation.

"I’d like to reassure him that we are doing all we can to identify the people responsible and as part of our enquiries, we are appealing for information.

"The victim believes there may have been some people nearby who witnessed the assault. Did you see what happened? I would be very keen to speak to you so please do the right thing and get in touch."

If you have any information, email vanessa.gottmann@herts.pnn.police.uk or report online at herts.police.uk/report.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.