A thug grabbed a 12-year-old boy and stole his mobile phone as he was walking near Billericay train station.

The boy was walking in Cromwell Avenue, Billericay, on Thursday, January 28 when he was approached by a teenager who asked him for the time.

Whilst he was distracted the suspect grabbed him and took his phone out of his hand.

The teenager then cycled from train station towards the High Street.

The boy was not injured but was left shaken after the incident, which happened at around 5pm.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly people who were near to Billericay train station or the surrounding areas between 4pm and 5pm on that day.

The suspect is described as being of mixed race, around 16 or 17-years-old and was wearing dark clothing. He was riding a mountain bike.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact Det Con Johnda Hughes at Basildon CID on Essex Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.