A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was punched several times by a thief who then stole cash from his pockets.

The victim was walking along Gigg Lane, Bury, on Friday at about 3.30pm when he was grabbed from behind.

The thief spun him around with force and started hitting him before searching his pockets.

He is described as aged about 13 years, black, of stocky build, 5ft, with short dark Afro hair and was wearing a white hooded top and cream trousers.