A SCHOOLGIRL was attacked by a robber who struck in Leigh in broad daylight.

The 12-year-old was outside Leigh Cemetery , in London Road, when a man grabbed her and spun her around.

He demanded she hand over her money and her phone but she refused.

He then punched her in the stomach.

A woman then walked around the corner, disturbing the robber, and he ran off empty-handed towards West Leigh schools.

Police want to speak to this woman as she could be a useful witness.

It happened just before 3:30pm on Thursday, May 31.

The robber was of mixed race, in his late 20s, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, and slim.

He had stubble and a short beard and spoke with a foreign accent.

He was wearing a blue hoodie with yellow lining, a black T-shirt, black jeans and black slip-on shoes. He also has a tattoo on his left wrist.

Anyone with information in connection with this attempted robbery is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101.