A TEENAGER was threatened and punched in the mouth by an attacker in Clacton.

The 15-year-old boy was standing in an alleyway next to the Comrades Club off Colne Road when he was approached by a man who threatened to slash him unless he handed over his mobile phone.

When the teen refused he was pushed in the chest, grabbed around the throat and punched in the face.

The attacker ran away empty-handed towards Pallister Road and the seafront.

It happened at about 7pm on Saturday.

The assailant is described as white, about six foot tall, of slim build and aged in his mid-20s.

He was wearing a blue-and-grey checked scarf across his mouth, dark trousers and a leather hoodie.

The victim suffered minor scratch marks to his neck in the attack.

Anyone with information should call 101.