A TEENAGER had his mobile phone stolen after he was attacked by youths.

Police in Bishop Auckland are appealing for witnesses to the incident near St John's Roman Catholic School in the town at 4.45pm on Tuesday.

The young man was walking along Woodhouse Lane when he was approached by a group of youths who asked to use his mobile phone.

When he refused the group threatened him and he handed the phone over. This was followed by a struggle and the teenager suffered injuries to his hands.

An attacker then ran off with the mobile phone. He has been described as being about 6ft tall, 16 to 17 years old, of thin build with ginger stubble.

He was wearing a red jacket possibly with blue sleeves with stripes and a grey baseball cap. He also had either a gap or a tooth missing from his top teeth.

Anybody who saw the incident or recognises the youth from the e-fit can contact DC Jim Lawrie on (01325) 742311.