A CYCLIST robbed a teenage girl in Grays.

The 17-year-old was targeted while she was walking along Grove Road.

A man on a bicycle rode up to her and grabbed the terrified girl’s handbag, He rode off with the bag and its contents, worth an estimated £150.

Investigating officer, Det Con Rachel Martin, said: “Luckily, the victim only suffered a few scratches, but it still would have been a very frightening experience for her.

“This is quite a residential area, and the victim screamed quite loudly to raise the alarm, so we want to speak to anyone who may have heard this.”

A black man seen riding a bike at the time may have been a key witness, and police are appealing for him to come forward.

The suspect was described as white, aged between 25 and 27, and around 5ft 8ins tall.

He had a skinny build with short dark hair, facial stubble and dark rings under his eyes. He wore a dark top and tracksuit bottoms.

The incident happened at 10.30pm on Wednesday.

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.