A YOUTH who snatched a mobile phone from a bus passenger and then used it to taunt his victim's mother is being hunted by police.

The public are being asked to help catch the thief who grabbed the phone from the 34-year-old man in Tennyson Street, Halliwell, before trying to flee.

After hearing the commotion, the bus driver tried to stop the teenager, but after a struggle the thief got away.

The victim's mother later received several calls from the youth, who was bragging about the theft which took place at 10.20pm on August 13 last year.

Sgt Ian Coop, of Bolton Police, said: "These CCTV images are of very good quality and I'm certain someone will be able to recognise this individual and help us with our enquiry."

The thief is white, aged about 17, 5ft 8ins tall, close shaven or bald hair. He was wearing a blue and white striped jumper and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 0963 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime reference number 214779B/06.