A mugger punched a man to the ground and then tried to punch the man's girlfriend as she defended herself with her handbag on Friday evening.

The couple were walking to their apartment when they were approached from behind by a man wearing a black helmet who punched the 51-year-old Warwick man in the jaw, sending him falling to the ground.

The victim's girlfriend, a 36-year-old Warwick woman, tried to fend off the attacker with her handbag but when the robber tried to punch her too she fled into the couple's apartment in Spring Hill Close, Warwick.

The suspect then removed the injured man's black leather wallet containing $150 in cash and personal items before making good his escape.

Although advised to have medical attention, the 51-year-old victim declined treatment for pain to his jaw and cuts to his knee, following the attack in Spring Hill Close.

Police have issued a description of the suspect, who is said to be 5ft 10in tall, slim build, wearing a black helmet, black pants and a red leather jacket with white-coloured print on the right upper half of the jacket.

Inquiries into the incident, which happened around 10.45 p.m., are underway and Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact DC Defreitas on 295-0011.