OFFICERS have launched an appeal for information after a 14-year-old girl was assualted and robbed in Runcorn. 

The victim was walking across the footbridge parallel to the Central Expressway on Hallwood Park when she was approached by a woman who demanded her phone at about 7.35pm on Sunday. 

The teenager attempted to walk around the woman who then grabbed her and assaulted her before stealing the victim′s phone and making off on foot towards Beechwood Bridge.

The victim suffered a slight injury to her face as a result of the assault.

DC Andrew McIntyre of Runcorn CID said: "Fortunately the victim only suffered a slight injury as a result of the incident but she was left shaken by what had happened.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time who may have witnessed the incident or seen anyone acting suspiciously to please come forward."

The woman is described as white, about 40, between 5′7" and 5′8" tall with a thin build. She had long dark hair and was wearing a dark blue tracksuit.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 899 of 26 October 2014.

Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestopper, on 0800 555 111.