Bradford detectives have said they will not tolerate robbery in the city after a vicious mugger thumped a man for his mobile phone.

Police yesterday released these CCTV images of the suspect they are hunting in connection with the violent mugging.

The robbery took place in the early hours of the morning, as the 23-year-old victim walked in Duckworth Lane, Bradford.

He was approached from behind and was punched during a short struggle and his mobile phone removed from him.

The attacker then fled on foot. The victim suffered swelling and bruising.

Police have now released images of the wanted man after studying CCTV footage of the scene.

Investigating officer Detective Constable John Gacquin, of Bradford South CID, said: “A number of inquiries have been undertaken to trace the individual responsible for this robbery and the recovery of CCTV has now enabled us to release these images.

“We are calling on the public to tell us who the man captured in this photo is, or where he is currently residing.

“From our initial work, we know that a short altercation occurred before the suspect managed to remove the victim's mobile phone.

“Despite this being in the early hours, I suspect any passers-by will have noticed the scuffle and someone may therefore have further information which could help us to focus our investigations and lead to an arrest.

“Robbery at any level will not be tolerated in our city and those who involve themselves in such crimes will potentially find themselves facing a custodial sentence.”

The robbery occurred at about 4.50am on Wednesday, November 7 last year.

Det Con Gacquin said: “If you have information about the incident itself, or the man in the CCTV, we would ask that you call us immediately."

He can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.