A 31-year-old man was knocked to the ground during an attempted phone snatch in Letchworth yesterday.

Officers are now appealing for information following the incident which happened in Parkfield at around 7.20pm.

The victim was walking along Townley with his dog when a teenage boy rode past on a bicycle from the other direction and tried to take his mobile phone out of his hand.

The offender missed the phone, but managed to grab the victim’s arm causing him to fall to the ground.

Despite this, the victim managed to chase after the offender and take hold of him causing the boy to fall off his bike – however the boy got back on his bike and rode off.

The offender is described as a white male aged between 13 and 16 years. He was wearing a Nike tracksuit with the hood up and was riding a khaki mountain bike with front suspension.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Will Ainsworth said: “We are very keen to trace this youth. I am hoping that someone was in the area at the time and saw the altercation. The victim’s dog was off the lead and ran after the victim as he was pursuing the offender, so there would have been quite a scene.

“If you have any information which could help our investigation please contact me as soon as possible on 101 quoting crime reference number 41/23024/19.”

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.