A 19-YEAR old man was punched in the face and robbed of his bag in Crabbs Cross on Friday.

The victim was walking along Walkwood Road with three friends at about 7.30pm when they were approached by a group of seven or eight youths who called them names.

They hit the man in the face and snatched his plastic carrier bag before running off towards the shops Crabbs Cross Lane.

One of the gang had blond hair and was wearing a grey T-shirt.

DC David Clews said: "Fortunately the victim suffered only minor facial injuries but these type of offences, although relatively rare in this neighbourhood, are unnerving.

"We are determined to identify those responsible and are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police to get in touch."

Anyone with information can call police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.