A Police spokeswoman explained how the 29-year-old victim and his companion were approached by a man who attempted to move the complainant's hat.

The attacker then followed the couple before launching an unprovoked assault on the man, punching him in the face and kicking him in his side.

A Police spokeswoman said: "The victim ran into a nearby nightclub for safety and assistance but his attacker disappeared. Upon venturing out again his assailant soon reappeared and again punched him in the face.

"A scuffle ensued and in the process the victim's gold chain was ripped from around his neck. The assailant then walked off.'' The attacker is described as dark brown skinned with prominent cheekbones, about five feet, ten inches tall and of medium build. He had short dreadlocks and was wearing a brown top and pants.

Police inquiries are continuing.

Police are also investigating a number of thefts which took place on Thursday night.

Several stores on Court Street, Hamilton, were targeted by thieves who escaped with nothing but a small quantity of cash.

The money was stolen from the Forte store after thieves broke into the property.

The nearby Evernell's Fit and Finish store was also broken into at the same time, but the intruders left empty handed.

CAR IS DESTROYED BY FIRE FIR Car is destroyed by fire One car was completely destroyed and three other vehicles damaged in a fire outside the Southampton Rangers sports club in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police and the Fire Service arrived on the scene to discover a white Opel sedan car completely engulfed in flames. Witnesses claim they heard a loud explosion just before the vehicle burst into flames.

Four firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread further, although two motorcycles and another car parked nearby did suffer from heat damage. There were no injuries in the incident.

Police have confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious and have asked anyone with any information to contact Western CID on 234 1010.