POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a mobile phone was stolen from a woman's back pocket on Portland.

A man grabbed a black Sony Experia mobile from the rear jeans pocket of a Portland woman in her forties as she walked along Verne Common Road at around 6.50pm on Sunday, June 1.

The offender ran off in the direction of Castletown.

Police Sergeant Matt Chutter, of Weymouth and Portland police, said: “The offender is described as male, aged between 17 and 25, and wearing a blue or grey hooded top, blue denim jeans and a white baseball cap. It's possible that he followed the victim after she alighted from a bus on Castle Road.

“I understand that a man wearing a red hooded top chased the offender and I am eager to speak him as soon as possible - he may have information that will help me identify the offender.

“I am also keen to speak with anyone else who witnessed this incident, and anyone who has information about the man responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101.