A thug threatened a schoolboy on a bus and snatched his iPhone.

The mugger targeted the 16-year-old, who was travelling alone on the top deck of the 192 bus from Manchester to Hazel Grove.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to about the theft.

He is described as aged about 25 years, white, 5ft 8in tall and with a few front teeth missing.

At the time of the mugging he was wearing a grey hooded top.

He snatched the iPhone when the bus was in Ardwick and got off the bus two stops later near a subway on Stockport Road.

PC Rhonda Sanson, of Longsight police, said: "This young man was attacked for no reason other than this thug wanted to play the 'big man' and steal his phone.

"He was very intimidating and thankfully, the victim was not physically harmed.

"Greater Manchester Police is running an operation called Gateway that involves having officers and bus inspectors on public transport to reduce anti-social behaviour, violence and knife crime. It is hoped this operation will both deter mindless thuggery and arrest those who commit criminal acts.

"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV to call us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 4428 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.