A ROBBER punched a 16-year-old girl as he stole her shoulder bag.

The teenager, from Honley, was walking on Albert Street in Lockwood at 11.50pm on Saturday when she realised a man was following her.

She quickened her pace and then started to run, but he chased her.

He caught up and grabbed the bag, but at first she clung on to it.

The robber pushed her to the ground and kept demanding the girl hand over the bag.

He then suddenly punched her in the stomach.

The girl eventually let go of the bag and the man fled with it.

He was last seen running towards Lockwood Road.

The attacker is white, about 5ft 10in tall and in his mid to late 20s. He has short, spiky brown or fair hair.

He wore a Burberry or similarly patterned jumper.

Anyone with information about the mugging should phone Pc Richard Drabble at Kirklees robbery team on 01484 436582.

Alternatively, people can ring Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.