An investigation is underway after a group of men is reported to have approached some women, stealing cash from one and trying to take another’s handbag.

It happened in Middlesbrough on Saturday night (July 9).

Police said the alleged robbery happened at about 10.40pm outside The Hub at Teesside University.

Read more: Smyths toy shop forced to close for the day after ramraid leaves trail of destruction

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “As three women were leaving The Hub, they were approached by four unknown males, one of whom stole money from one of the women who is in her 30s while another attempted to snatch the handbag of another woman (in her 60s) in the group.

“The males then left the scene and went down Granville Road towards Linthorpe Road.”

There were a number of people around at the time and officers believe a woman may have captured footage or photos of the suspects on her phone.

Police would like to speak to  this person - as well as anyone else with information, CCTV or dash cam which could help with the on-going enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number, quoting Ref 119768.

If you don’t want to speak to police, you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.

Read more: Three people taken to hospital after serious crash on the A66

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054