Police are appealing after a robbery that saw a 12-year-old boy have his phone taken from him in broad daylight.

Officers from Cleveland Police have launched an investigation following the incident in Thornaby on Friday (February 24) at around 2.10pm.

According to police, a 12-year-old boy was robbed on Thornaby Road as he walked towards the allotments with his mobile phone in his hand.

The boy was approached from behind by a male who snatched the phone from him and ran off.  

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The suspect is described as a black male, around 18 years old, 6ft tall, of slim build with brown eyes and short, braided hair with a black stubbly beard.

He was wearing a black puffer style coat with a red hood, black Nike trainers and black Nike tracksuit bottoms.

Officers believe a number of people stopped to help and may have witnessed the incident.

A male and female, believed to be in a blue van, kindly took the boy home afterwards.

Police would like to speak to these people as they may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Any witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call 101, quoting reference number SE23036232.