A stranger helped defend a teenage boy who was having his phone robbed in Swindon.

The attempted robbery occurred in Okus Road shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, November 14 when a teenage boy was approached by a man.

He shouted to get the boy’s attention before trying to steal the teenager’s phone.

The victim sought help at a nearby house and tried to flag down a car, before he found a member of the public who came to his aid and walked him part-way home.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20s with a scruffy long beard, mousey brown hair which is long on top and short on the sides.

He was wearing a dark blue Nike tech fleece tracksuit at the time of the incident.

The police are now appealing for potential witnesses to come forward to help with their investigations.

PC Oliver Pocock said: "We'd like to thank the person who helped this young man, who was obviously shaken from the incident.

“We would like to speak to this person, and anyone else who might have seen what happened.

"We know the young man tried to approach a house and a driver, who may have ring doorbell or information that could help with our enquiries.

“If you can help, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 54230120805.”