A man tried to punch a teenager during an attempted robbery in Prince Philip Road, Colchester.
The suspect demanded cash from the victim, aged 18 and from Maldon, and when he refused swung a punch but missed.
The suspect, in his late teens, then walked off.
He was white, of very slim build, around 5ft 9ins tall, and wore a black hooded top and navy tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the sides.
The incident happened at around 4.15pm on Monday.
• Anyone with information should call Colchester CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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