A THIEF escaped empty-handed when he attacked a mobile phone owner in Bury over the weekend.

The offender approached a 25-year-old man from behind as he walked along Market Street in the town centre at 6pm on Saturday (May 25).

The victim was struck in the back before the attacker made a grab for a bag containing the mobile. The man fought back and the offender fled. He was black, in his late teens and wearing a grey baseball cap and a blue top.

Witnesses should contact Bury CID on 856 8150 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.