Police are hunting a thug who tried to mug a woman in Northampton town centre last night.
The attack happened between 10pm and 10.25pm in Elizabeth Walk when the victim approached by a man who asked if he could use her mobile phone.
When she said no, the suspect became more persistent and, as he said it was an emergency, she relented by dialling a number for him.
There was then a scuffle as he tried to grab the phone from her, but she managed to run free at which point she realised there were two other men with him.
The main offender was black, aged about 35 and about 5ft 7in with an average build. He had black hair sectioned into squares and was unshaven. He wore a black zip-up jacket and spoke with a London accent.
Another of the men was black, of average height and he was wearing a white hooded jacket. The third man was white, aged in his 30s with a thin face. He spoke with an Eastern European accent and was wearing a white zip-up top.
Anyone with information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111