A TEENAGER fought off a would-be robber who tried to steal his mobile phone as he walked across the fields behind the Ongar Castle site, between Love Lane and Castle Street, Ongar.

The 16-year-old local boy, who was walking a dog shortly before noon last Tuesday (February 13) was grabbed by the suspect who demanded his phone. The youngster fought back and refused to hand over his phone.

The would-be robber, who ran off empty-handed, was aged 16-20 and had short blond hair. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, and had a spotty complexion and bad breath. Police say he may have suffered a nose injury in the struggle.

Anyone with any information should ring the Loughton robbery squad on 020 8502 3881 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.