A TEENAGE girl fought off an attacker who tried to steal her mobile phone.

Police said the 13-year-old was sitting on a wall outside the Tim Bobbin pub waiting for a friend when she was approached by a man who tried to steal her iPhone 4S.

She bravely held on despite the man grabbing her arms, and he fled empty-handed.

Detectives said the victim was left 'very shaken' but unhurt.

The attacker is described as a tanned male, aged in his 20s, of slim build and about 5ft 8ins tall.

He had a goatee type beard that was ‘long and pointy’ and was wearing dark trousers and a coat.

Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have been driving past or visiting nearby shops to get in touch.

The incident happened at just after 11am on Wednesday.

Detectives have also released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Sgt Alisa Wilson, of East CID, said: “This young girl has been left very shaken by her ordeal and I am keen to trace this man.

“It was busy at the time, there were plenty of vehicles going past and there were pedestrians in the area as well.

“We think the man had been hanging around for sometime so people visiting local shops may have seen him or know who he was.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the images or who has any information to get in touch.”

Councillor Betsy Stringer said: “It shocking, absolutely shocking to have men snatching things from children.

“This 13-year-old girl is a child. It must have been a frightening experience for her.

“Children should be safe on our streets. That someone in their 20s should do this beggars belief."

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 quoting log number 384 of Wednesday, April 16, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.