CCTV pictures of three men have been released as part of a police investigation into an early morning theft outside a Worcester bar

Officers are hoping to speak to the trio in connection with an incident in which a passer-by had his coat and phone stolen after being pushed into a taxi, in Foregate Street.

After a short struggle the man freed himself and the taxi drove off, later dropping the three men near the Dolphin Centre in Bromsgrove. They are then thought to have gone to Redditch, possibly with a fourth person.

"It seems likely that these three men came from Redditch, or nearby," said Det Sgt Tony Stead, of Worcester CID.

"We know that was their destination after leaving the taxi in the centre of Bromsgrove and contacting at least one person in the town shortly afterwards.

"There may be members of the public from Worcester, or who were visiting the city at the time, who might know members of the trio we want to talk to."

The incident occurred at about 3.19am on Tuesday, April 27, shortly after the victim left the RSVP bar, where he worked.

If anyone does recognise the men in the picture they should contact Worcester Police on 08457 444888, quoting 27C/250404.