A woman’s fingernails were ripped off by thugs who snatched her phone in Ashton-under-Lyne – and now CCTV footage has emerged of three youths wanted in connection with the attack.
The 29-year-old woman was targeted by three men, believed to be between 16-18 years of age, on Mellor Road, at about 6.20pm on October 2.
The woman ‘bravely’ tried to cling onto her Iphone 5, leading to a 30 second struggle, which resulted in the offender stealing the phone and ripping two of her fingernails off in the process.
The three men ran off along Mellor Road and were chasing by the woman, but she lost sight of them as they fled along Willow Wood Close.
Police have now released stills of three men wanted in connection with the robbery and are appealing for people to come forward and give information.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS TEEN? Police are now appealing to the public
Detective Constable Sharon Hilton said: “This woman fought bravely to keep hold of her phone, which resulted in two of her fingernails being ripped off.
“The thieves then had the audacity to try and sell the stolen phone just to make a few quid, without thought for the ordeal the woman suffered as a result of their violent actions.
“I would urge people to look carefully at the CCTV images we have released and if you recognise who these people are then come forward and speak to us.”
WANTED: Police want to speak to this teenager
She added: “I would also ask people to be very aware of their surroundings when using their mobile phones. When you are walking and talking or texting on a phone, you might not realise opportunistic thieves are waiting to pounce so please be vigilant of where you are while using your mobile phone and don’t get these sorts of thieves any chance to strike.”
The images show the three men attempting to sell the stolen phone at a shop in Ashton later that evening.
The first man is described as being black, 16-18-years-old, with a shaved head, of a slim build and wearing a red Adidas hooded top with white stripes.
APPEAL: One of the suspects police want to speak to
The second was white, 16-18-years-old, of a slim build, with short brown hair and wearing a cream jacket and cream trousers.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
