A TEENAGER has fought off an attempted robbery in a park in Ipswich.

The 17-year-old was walking through Gippeswyck Park on Friday evening when he was approached from behind by the man, who was on a black mountain bike. The man asked for the time and the teenager took out his phone to check.

The man then grabbed the phone and assaulted the 17-year-old. A scuffle ensued but the 17-year-old managed to keep hold of his phone and left, while the offender cycled away in the direction of Aster Road. Police need to trace a man – described as black, with a London accent, in his 20s, about 6ft tall, well built with a broad chest and broad shoulders, wearing a black tracksuit and hooded top and cycling gloves with fitted knuckle pads.

The incident happened at about 8.25pm on Friday evening. The teenager sustained a black eye and swollen lip in the attempted robbery.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or the offender in the area around this time, or anyone with information about who he is, to call Ipswich CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, on 0800 555 111.