A robber rained blows on a young man with learning difficulties and stole his mobile phone.
Police today appealed for information after the attack at Hilly Fields, Colchester.
The victim was walking at the beauty spot when the attacker rode up on a push bike and began talking to him.
He pretended to be friendly at first but soon turned nasty, punching and kicking him before snatching his Nokia phone and cycling away.
The attacker is described as white, in his late teens or early twenties, of stocky build and with short, dark hair. He told the lad his name was John.
- Anyone who saw the incident at about 5.30pm on Friday, or thinks they may know the identity of the robber, should call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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