A MAN threatened a teenage girl with a wooden branch and robbed her of a mobile phone at a Taunton beauty spot.

Avon and Somerset Police have released a picture and CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident at around 4.35pm-4.45pm in Longrun Meadow on Friday, September 20.

Police said in a statement: “An unknown man threatened the victim - who is a teenage girl - with a wooden branch and demanded she handed over her phone before running away with it in the direction of French Weir Park.

“The girl was fortunately physically unharmed and returned home. She was met by officers, in the company of her family, that evening to help us understand what had happened.

“We are issuing CCTV showing a man who we wish to speak to in connection with our enquiries.

“An attempted robbery was reported in the same area at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, September 25, and we are keeping an open mind whether the two crimes may be linked.”

The man is described as being in his late teens or 20s, white, about 5ft 6-7ins, with blue eyes. He was wearing black clothing and a balaclava, but the victim thinks he had blond or light brown hair.

The local neighbourhood team has been made aware and are planning additional high-visibility patrols in the area.

Witnesses or anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 with reference number 5224248945 or contact police via the online form.