A MOBILE phone was stolen from a visually impaired man while he was sat in a cafe with his guide dog.

On July 1 the victim, a man in his 20s, visited Vinny's Café in Headgate, Colchester, with is guide dog.

At around 2.30pm a man and a woman entered the café and were giving out leaflets, placing one on the man's table, where he had his mobile phone.

When the man went to leave, he noticed his mobile phone had been taken.

A witness described the man as wearing a white t-shirt with a black pattern and was wearing a cap. The woman was described as possibly having her hair in a ponytail.

Investigating Officer PC Scott Lewis said: "Someone targeted a member of our community because they were vulnerable.

"It was clear the man had a visual impairment because he was with his guide dog and we want to find those responsible for this unpleasant crime.

"We would like anyone who was in or around the café at the time and saw a man and a woman handing out leaflets or has any information relating to the theft.

"Please contact the local Colchester policing team on 101, quoting crime reference 42/103582/19."

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org