A WITNESS who was heard shouting at crooks who attacked a man on Christmas eve is being searched for.

At about 3.25am on December 24, the victim was punched after being approached by two men as he walked down an alleyway linking Oliver Way and Varden Close in Melbourne.

The pair then went through his bag and stole possessions from him.

Police investigating the incident are keen to locate a witness who was heard near the scene.

PC Warren Joseph said: "The victim believes he heard someone shouting at his attackers during the robbery and this disturbed the men and they ran off.

"We have not yet been able to trace this person and I would very much like for them to get in touch."

Information is also being sought over the attackers.

One is described as black, about 5ft 10ins, of large build, aged between 20 and 30, was clean shaven and wearing a flat peak cap, trainers a black bomber style padded jacket.

The other suspect is described as white, 5ft 10in tall, of medium build, also aged between 20 and 30 and was wearing a grey hat and black jacket.

Anyone with information should call Pc Joseph at Chelmsford Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.