A TEENAGER was robbed of his mobile phone in the street.

The 17-year-old boy was walking along Afton Drive in South Ockendon when he was approached by the raider.

He tapped the victim on the shoulder before ordering him to hand over his mobile phone. Terrified, and believing his mugger to have some sort of weapon, the teen handed over this black Nokia 5310 worth £110.

The robber then asked him to hand over cash and when the victim said he had none, his attacker fled.

Police are now hunting the mugger and are appealing for witnesses.

Laura Anderson of Thurrock police said: "This was an extremely frightening ordeal for the young victim.

"We would ask anyone who recognises his attacker or who saw the robbery take place to call us."

The robber is described as a white man, aged 25 to 35, 5ft 8ins tall, slim, with a brown moustache and an “aged” face.

He wore a woolly black hat, black jumper and black trousers.

Witnesses to the robbery, which happened at around 5.15pm on Wednesday December 3, or anyone with information is asked to contact police at Thurrock on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.