A WOMAN had her phone stolen from her hands while on a train at Rayleigh.

Police have released a CCTV image in connection with the theft which happened on Monday October 3.

The victim was an 18-year-old woman from Chelmsford, who was travelling on a National Express service between Southend Victoria and Liverpool Street.

Det Con Michael Bute, the investigating officer,said: “A few minutes before 10.30pm the service called at Rayleigh, at which point a man boarded the service, snatched her mobile phone from her grasp and ran from the train.”

The victim also got off the train at Rayleigh but the man had already fled over the bridge, out of the station and made off in the direction of Station Road.

The victim remained at the station to report the crime to police.

Det Con Bute added: “Thankfully the victim was not injured. However this type of crime is completely unacceptable and has no place on the rail network.

“We are committed to driving down thefts of the railway and I am determined to catch the person responsible.

“I am urging anyone who was on the train, at Rayleigh around 10.30pm, or who recognises the man pictured to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B3/LNA of 18/11/2011. Or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.