A TEENAGER was punched in the face and had his phone stolen in Hitchin, in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday).

The 17-year-old was walking towards the town centre from Cambridge Road between 3am and 3.15am on Sunday, when he was approached by the offender who was walking in the opposite direction.

The offender threatened to punch the victim if he didn’t hand over his mobile phone, so he ran down Nightingale Road.

But the victim was caught up near to McDonalds opposite the Nightingale Pub, and was punched after he refused the demands to hand over his phone.

The offender then took the mobile and ran towards the town centre.

Pc David Marr from Hitchin Police Station is investigating. He said: “Following the incident, the victim flagged down a taxi to call police.

“During this time, two females approached him and asked for a lighter and checked whether he was ok. I would like to appeal to these people to contact police.

“We know there were some other people in the area at the time and I would like to hear from anyone who has any information about what happened, anyone who knows who is responsible and anyone who has been offered a Nokia express mobile phone for sale under suspicious circumstances to contact police.”

The offender is described as a white man, aged between 17 and 18-years-old, approximately 5ft 11ins tall and of a medium build. He spoke with a local accent, had short light brown hair and shaved stripes across one eyebrow. He was wearing a grey hooded top and dark bottoms.

Anyone with information can contact Pc Marr on 01438 757535 or Crimestoppers anonymously.