ROBBERS punched a man into a Newport canal, before making off with his bike and mobile phone.

The 34-year-old man was ridding his push bike down Bettws Lane, alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal near Kimberley Park at around 10pm on Monday, when he was approached by two men.

They started a conversation with him, before one of them punched him in the face, causing him to fall into the canal.

The two men made off towards the Malpas area, taking his push bike and mobile phone with them.

The victim was able to pull himself out of the canal to safety, before contacting police.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said he did not sustain any serious injuries during the robbery.

One of the men was described as white, around 5'11, in his 30s, wearing a grey-coloured beanie hat and an unzipped jacket.

The other man was slightly shorter, with black hair and was wearing a white top.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or has any information is asked to contact DC Andy Dabinette on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.