TWO men stole a mobile phone and a rucksack in a knifepoint robbery in which a teenager was hit in the face.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident between 8-8.30pm on Sunday when a 16-year-old male was passing the green area in Abbey View Road, Moredon, when he was approached by two men who threatened him with a knife and punched him in the face before taking his phone and a black rucksack containing bank cards.

The victim suffered bruising to his face as a result of the incident.

The first male is described as white and the second male is believed to have been mixed race and had a bicycle with him. Both were wearing bandanas and tracksuits.

Detective Constable Rachel Catling, of Swindon CID, said: "This was a nasty attack on a 16-year-old who was walking alone at the time of the incident.

"Fortunately, he was not seriously injured but was understandably shaken by the incident.

"I'd like to reassure members of the public that we are carrying out a thorough investigation into this robbery and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Abbey View Road between 8pm and 9pm on September 18 - did you see two males acting suspiciously?

"Any information you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, may be crucial to our investigation."

If you can help call 101 with information, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.