A PENSIONER was robbed of his mobile phone after being threatened by thug as he sat on a bench.

Police in Brighton and Hove are investigating a robbery in the city's Madeira Drive in which a 73-year-old man had his mobile phone stolen, which he used as a lifeline due to ill health.

It happened at about 3.30pm on Sunday when the victim, who was sitting on a bench, was approached by another man who threatened to harm him before taking his phone and making off on foot towards Brighton Marina.

Detective Sergeant Chris Lane, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: "The stolen phone had no particular material value, but to the victim it was a lifeline as he suffers from ill health."

"This was an abhorrent attack on an elderly and vulnerable person, and if anyone saw what happened or can identify the suspect, I'd urge them to get in touch without delay."

The suspect is described as white, around 18, 5'10", and of medium build.

He was wearing a black baseball cap with red edging, a black jacket and blue trainers.

He was with a white woman who was not involved in the incident.

Information can be emailed to 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phoned through by dialling 101, quoting serial 916 of April 10.

Alternatively, contact can be made with the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org