A man was threatened with a gun in a robbery attempt in Batley last night.

He had an airgun pointed in his face after a thug demanded he hand over his mobile phone.

But the victim, a Dewsbury man in his 20s, rode off on his bike to get away from the would-be robber.

The incident happened as he walked his bike across playing fields in Carlinghow Lane which have been occupied by travellers.

Det Insp Mark Walker, of Kirklees CID, said: “The incident happened about 9.40pm as the man was on his way home. He pushed his bike through the fields when he was stopped by a man who demanded his phone.

“The victim told the man to get lost but was then threatened with an air rifle, which the man cocked and pointed at him. The victim jumped on his bike and rode off, chased by a number of dogs.

“He wasn’t hurt and we are now appealing for any witnesses”.

The travellers moved on to the playing fields last week and Kirklees Council are planning to go to court this week for an eviction order.

The suspect was a white man about 5ft 6in tall who spoke with an Irish accent.

Anyone who can help should contact police via 101.

In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.