A YOUNG woman was punched in the face after she refused to hand over her mobile phone to a thief.

The 22 year-old was walking by Hamstel Infant School, Southend, talking to a friend on the phone when a passing male cyclist attempted to steal it from her.

Following the struggle she was punched in the face before the man rode off towards Central Avenue empty handed on his black BMX with red-rimmed wheels.

Investigating officer Dc Sam Winter said: “Although this woman was uninjured, it left her very shaken and upset.

“She did well to keep her telephone and we’re hoping to identify the man who tried to steal it. The bike that he was on is distinctive in its wheel trim so this should trigger someone into calling us.”

Fortunately the victim did not require medical treatment following the incident shortly after 10pm on Thursday.

The man is described as white and was wearing a black hoodie, dark trousers and black gloves at the time.