Lymington man Richard Kitcher in court over alleged mugging in graveyard outside St Thomas Church

AN alleged robber has appeared in court after a man was injured in an incident in a Lymington graveyard.

Richard Kitcher (33), of Efford Way in the town, has been charged with robbery in relation to the incident which took place at St Thomas Church between 5.45pm and 6pm on Saturday.

Two men and two girls reportedly assaulted the victim, who is in his late teens and suffered a suspected broken nose in the incident, and stole his phone. It was later recovered but had been damaged beyond repair.

Having appeared before Southampton magistrates on Monday morning, Kitcher was remanded in custody to appear at the city’s crown court on 1st March.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the attack, which happened during a busy time of day.

DC Samuel Hussey said: “It also happened adjacent to the Six Bells, which was busy with patrons at the time.

“If you were in the Six Bells that night, do you recall seeing anything which might assist us in our investigation?”

DC Hussey continued: “The victim described people passing by and being told not to intervene by the attackers.

“Perhaps you were one of these people. If you were, please get in touch with us.”

Officers also want to hear from those who may have any useful photos or video footage.

A 57-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl, both also local, were arrested on suspicion of robbery but have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact the force online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 44240039174.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.