Plea after girl of 15 attacked and robbed of phone on bus

CCTV images of a young bus passenger police would like to talk to following a robbery in the Black Country have been released.

Officers are hoping to trace the woman shown on board the number 9 bus travelling from Birmingham to Halesowen.

After a 15-year-old girl got off the bus in Spires Lane, Halesowen, a robber, thought to be in her late teens, followed her.

She approached the teenager and then went on to punch her several times in the face and demanded that the girl handed over her mobile phone.

The victim, who gave the thief her phone, worth £20, suffered bruising to her face.

Police said the victim suffered facial injuries and was distressed by the attack.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Haynes from Dudley CID said: "We have made various enquiries into the person pictured but so far we have failed to identify her.

"We are hoping that a member of the public might recognise her and be prepared to call us to help with the investigation.

"Ultimately, a young girl has been assaulted and a great deal of distress.

"We are keen to bring the person responsible to justice," he said.

The robber is described as white, in her late teens and around 5ft 6in tall.

The robbery happened at around 11pm on May 16.

Any eyewitnesses to the robbery or anyone with information to help the police in their investigation is urged to contact officers at Dudley CID on 0345 113 5000.

Witnesses can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.