POLICE have issued these CCTV pictures of three robbers who stole a mobile phone from a schoolboy.

The raiders struck at around 5.30pm on Thursday, February 21 when the 14-year-old victim was in Wigan town centre with his 13-year-old friend.

The boys were sat on benches in Market Place when they became aware of three men staring at them.

A short time later, the victim and his friend began walking towards Wallgate and turned right into Clarence Yard.

They were then stopped by the same three men. The men then threatened to hurt the victim before snatching the boy's Sony Ericcson W200i from his hand and running off.

The teenager was uninjured but very upset.

The first robber is described as black or mixed race, aged 17 or 18, 5ft 5in to 5ft 7in tall, with neatly shaven hair.

He had a black goatee beard and spoke with a Manchester or Bolton accent and was wearing a blue Timberland tracksuit and Location coat.

The second man is described as black, aged 17 or 18, and was wearing a dark blue jacket and white Nike or Adidas cap. The third man was Asian.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognizes the men in the CCTV stills is asked to call Wigan Police Station on 0161 856 7255 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.