A TEENAGER was punched in the face by a mugger who tried to take his mobile phone.

The 14-year-old boy was attacked in the Roundacre underpass in Upper Mayne, Basildon, by a man, who hit him, then demanded his phone.

The attacker then ran off, leaving the schoolboy bleeding and shaken. He ended up with a swollen and bruised face.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the attack, between 3.30pm and 3.45pm on Monday June 6.

Investigating officer Det Con Gail Wilkinson, of Basildon CID, said: “This happened in a place used by lots of people, especially children travelling from school.

“So if you saw this attack or saw the suspect in the area at the time, you could hold clues vital to our investigation, so please get in touch.”

The robber was a white man, aged between 16 and 20, with short, brown hair.

He was dressed in a grey tracksuit and black trainers.

It was the second time teenagers have been targeted by robbers in Basildon in the past week.

Three youngsters were robbed in Gloucester Park on Saturday, but the incidents are not thought to be linked.

Witnesses are asked to call Det Con Wilkinson on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.