Police are hunting three robbers who asked a man for a light before beating him up for his mobile phone.

September 18, 2012, 6:31 am

At about 12.35am on Thursday 13 September 2012, the 26-year-old victim was walking home along Cotton Lane, Withington, when he was approached by three men.

One of them asked him for a light and the victim, sensing he was about to be attacked, tried to run away. They chased after him, caught him up and started to punch and kick him.

They demanded he handed over cash and his mobile phone and the robbers ran off with his property.

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The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack, which included a cut lip.

The three men were wearing baseball caps and face coverings.                                                                            

Detective Constable Matt Smith, of South Manchester CID, said: “This victim was just minding his own business trying to get home when he was singled out by this pack of opportunistic offenders.

“Quite rightly, sensing they had criminal motives, he tried to get away, but they caught him up and dished out a violent beating while demanding he handed over his property.

“Thankfully he wasnt too badly injured, but the victim will now have to relive the moment he was set upon as he innocently made his way home.

“Like the community, we will not tolerate this kind of random violence and we are determined to bring these offenders to justice.

“If anyone saw three men acting suspiciously around this time them please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call South Manchester CID on 0161 856 6034 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.