A TEENAGE girl was robbed of her mobile phone by a gang of youths in Darlington town centre on Monday.

The 13-year-old was standing outside Pizza Hut, in Horsemarket, with two friends when a group of six youths threatened them with what was thought to be a nail, or similar pointed item, and demanded money.

The girl gave the youths her Nokia 3330 mobile telephone because she had no cash.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said officers were checking closed-circuit television footage from cameras in the area in an effort to identify the youths.

Although the girl went straight to Darlington police station and reported the incident, an immediate search was unsuccessful.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.