Teenager robbed of mobile phone in Telford

Two 16 year-old males were walking along Trench Road towards Trench Lock Interchange when they became aware of a man walking towards them.

The man, who was wearing a red bandanna or scarf over the lower half of his face, approached them from the direction of Trench Lock Interchange and blocked their path.

He demanded the teenagers' phones and produced a small knife, which he pulled from his tracksuit pocket.

One of the teenagers handed over his Blackberry phone.

The suspect turned around and walked towards Trench Lock Interchange. The victims walked back along Trench Road and summoned help.

Police are investigating the incident, which happened at around 6.45pm on Saturday, and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "The teenagers were very frightened, especially when the suspect pulled a knife from his pocket.

"One of the victims handed over his phone, while the other said he didn't have his phone with him.

"Fortunately the suspect left as soon as he was given the phone and did not physically hurt the victims.

"Police are investigating the matter and are carrying out a number of enquiries.

"We are eager to trace any potential witnesses and would urge them to come forward.

"The suspect was wearing distinctive clothing and we are hoping that somebody will remember seeing an individual wearing a red bandanna or scarf over the lower part of his face."

The suspect is described as a white male, aged in his late teens, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a dark baseball cap, a light blue hooded top, light grey tracksuit bottoms and trainers and a red bandanna or scarf around the lower half of his face. The knife he was carrying is described as a small pen knife with a three inch blade.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect should contact Telford Police on 101. Alternatively information can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.