A TEENAGER suffered a black eye after being knocked to the ground and robbed of his mobile phone.

Tom Gibbs, a 15-year-old from Heaton, was punched in the head and face by a thief who approached him from behind.

The man forced Tom to empty his pockets before stealing a Nokia 3310 handset -- worth £100 -- and £2 in cash.

The incident took place in Mornington Road, Heaton, last Friday at 10.30pm.

A car occupied by the man and threee others pulled up alongside Tom as he was walking home from a friend's house.

Tom, a paperboy and pupil at Thornleigh School, said: "The attack was completely unprovoked and I was just shocked. His mates sat in the car watching."

The attacker is described as being dark coloured with short hair. He had a white jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.