A teenage girl was pushed into a Netherton canal by a man who was trying to steal her phone.

The 17-year-old was walking from the Halesowen Road junction to Purlin Wharf at 7.45pm on Tuesday night (August 23) when he tried to grab the phone from her hand. She tried to put up a fight but was pushed into the water.

When she swam to the towpath to pull herself out, the would-be robber grabbed hold of her head and held her down for a few seconds before running away.

He is described as a mixed race man in his late 30s to early 40s, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim, muscular build with short black hair. He had a Dudley accent and was wearing a light blue short sleeved t-shirt.

The girl was not injured but she has been left “incredibly shaken by the ordeal”, according to police. Officers are now trying to trace the passers-by who stepped in and helped pull the victim from the canal.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.