A 16-year-old boy was surrounded by a gang of 12 hooded youths who stole his phone last week outside Richmond station.

The boy was standing in the Quadrant with two friends last Wednesday at 8.45pm when he was approached by a group of black youths, all aged about 17, wearing hooded tops.

One of the youths approached the boy and asked if he had a phone, the boy felt threatened by the group and by the robber's demeanour and said no.

The robber started searching the boy's pockets and said 'if I find a phone you are going to get a punch.' He took the phone, worth £100.

At this moment two men came out of the station and the youths all ran off towards Richmond Circus. The victim chased after them but they got away.

Later on that night, at 1am the boy saw the same group as he was going home on a bus.

The suspect is described as a 17-year-old black male, 5ft 10ins, wearing a hooded top and tracksuit bottoms. If you have any information call Daryll Ayaydin on 82477142.

January 31, 2003 11:00