A RUNNER was punched to the ground as he trained for a charity race - then chased after them. 

The robbers then ripped the man's iPhone from a running strap around his arm, as he lay on the roadside in Witney.

The daytime attack happened at about 12.30pm last Tuesday, in Deer Park Road.

The victim, a  40-year-old man, was jogging about 150 yards from the traffic lights at the junction with Burford Road.

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Two men approached him and punched the back of his head, flooring him.

After stealing his iPhone 10, the robbers ran off through the Deer Park estate, but the victim gave chase.

He followed them onto Stanway Drive but then lost sight of them.

The first offender is a white man, believed to be aged in his 20s and around 6ft tall, with a slim build.

He was wearing a black Adidas tracksuit top, black jeans and white Reebok Classic trainers.

He spoke with an English accent.

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The second offender was slightly shorter, also believed to be in his 20s and around 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build.

He was wearing a red puffa-style jacket, black jeans and white Adidas Superstar trainers.

Police said the victim, who was training for a charity race, was not injured during the attack.

Designated investigator Tracy Lannon-Smith, based at Witney police station, said: "This incident happened in the middle of the afternoon on a busy road, and I am confident that there will have been many witnesses.

"The description of the offenders is good, and I am sure someone will recognise them or have some information regarding the robbery."

She urged anyone with information to call the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43190280072, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.