A BT engineer lost a tooth after being struck round the head while he was working in an unprovoked assault in Chesham yesterday, police said.

At around 8.30am, the 27-year-old BT Openreach engineer was working on his laptop from the side door of his parked BT van, in Berkhampstead Road, when he was struck to the side of his head causing him to bang his head against the van.

When he looked around, he saw an Asian man running away along Berkhampstead Road in the direction of Nashleigh Hill.

As a result of the attack the victim lost a tooth.

The attacker is described as Asian, between 20 and 30 years old, 5ft 8ins to 6ft, stocky build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a hooded sports jacket that was dark blue or black in colour with white stripes down the arms, light coloured jeans and white trainers.

PC Mark McCafferty, investigating the assault, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was carrying out his job and has lost a tooth as a result.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the description of the offender to contact me.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC McCafferty via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.