A 17-year old boy was punched in the face by a robber who then destroyed his stolen haul in Barnes last Friday.

He was attacked on March 12 as he walked to school along the towpath by the Barn Elms Sports centre in Barnes at 9.30am.

He was approached by the robber who asked for his phone, to which he said no. The robber then punched him on the left side of his face, which caused swelling and bruising to his cheek.

The robber took the phone, which he smashed and a book, which he then tore up. He was described as 19-years-old, white, 6ft tall, wearing a grey hooded sweat top and blue tracksuit bottoms. He had short black hair and spoke with a London accent.

If you have any information on this incident call PC Mark Hassell at Twickenham police on 8247 7042.