CCTV images have been released of men police want to speak to in connection with a ‘vicious’ robbery in Nelson.

The incident happened at 11pm on Saturday, June 14, in Market Street, Nelson.

Two offenders approached the 21-year-old victim as he was walking along listening to music on his smart phone and asked him for a lighter.

When he replied he didn’t have one he was punched to the floor by one of the men and kicked by the other before they took his phone and made off towards the pedestrianised area of the town centre.

The first robber was described as asian, 23 to 25-years-old, around 5ft 8ins tall, of normal build with short black hair and stubble.

The second man was described as asian, 23 to 25-years-old, around 5ft 9ins tall with short black hair.

Det Con Louise Blackey, of Pennine CID, said: “This was a vicious and totally unprovoked assault and I would appeal to anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV images or anyone matching the descriptions to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number LC-20140614-1757 of June 14.