Teenage girl fights off thief who threatened to stab her

A man tried to steal a mobile phone from a teenage girl and even threatened to stab her if she refused his demands.

However, the brave teenager fought back and kicked the would-be thief in the groin, forcing him to scarper empty-handed.

It happened at about 11am on Monday 27 January 2014 on Wood Street in Middleton.

The 16-year-old girl was waiting for a bus at a bus stop near to St Mary's School and had been using her mobile phone. She had just put the phone back in her bag when a man confronted her and demanded the bag and its contents.

After refusing to hand it over, the offender ripped the bag from the girl's shoulder but she snatched it back, prompting the would-be thief to threaten to stab the 16-year-old although no weapon was seen.

Undeterred, the courageous teen kicked the offender in a groin at which point the bus pulled up and she got on. She then phoned her parents to tell her what had happened and the police were then called.

The offender is described as being white, aged 22-25-years-old, about 5ft 9in tall, with dark brown hair that was said to be cut longer on top and shorter on the sides to create a box-like effect and big eyebrows. He was wearing a black jump with the Nike logo emblazoned across the front, black faded tracksuit bottoms with three electric blue stripes down the side and spoke with a local accent.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Andrew Robinson said: "Across Greater Manchester, we have seen an increase in the incidents of mobile phone theft. As more and more people have smartphones which cost a lot of money, so too does the temptation for thieves like this to try and snatch them.

"However, this offender clearly picked on the wrong person. The teenage girl, while clearly shocked to be confronted in such a way, fought off her attacker and sent him scurrying and empty-handed.

"In general, we would advise people not to retaliate in these circumstances in case they are injured, but you cannot help but applaud the bravery of this girl who showed great tenacity to fight him off.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time or on the bus and who thinks they saw the offender to come forward and speak to us. Any information you have could be crucial to helping us find the offender.

"This is also a good opportunity to remind people that the theft of mobile phones is on the increase and owners need to be vigilant when using these phones. Where possible, try not to use them while walking and your attention is distracted or in open view which could attract opportunistic thieves."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.