Men attack Basingstoke Canal fisherman at Mytchett

A fisherman was punched in the face and pushed into a canal in Surrey by a group of men shortly after he had told off a group of children.

It happened just after 19:00 GMT on Wednesday while the 46-year-old man was fishing near Mytchett Lake on the Basingstoke Canal.

Police think he might have been attacked for warning the children not to fish near the bridge.

"This was a despicable act," said Det Con Richard Cooper.

"It was all the more frightening for the victim because he is not able to swim."

Keeping watch

The fisherman was approached from behind by two men. One punched him in the face and pushed him into the water while the other vandalised his equipment.

It is believed a third may might have been keeping watch further up the towpath.

The victim was able to get to safety when a cyclist went past and the men fled.

"We are keen to speak to any witnesses we have not already spoken to, including this cyclist and the group of children," said Mr Cooper.

The three men are all described as white. One was in his 20s, of big build and over 5ft 10in tall.

The second was in his early 20s, and slim with black hair in a crew cut.

The third man was in his 40s, 5ft 10in tall of muscular build and with dark wavy hair.