A WOMAN is "absolutely distraught" after her phone was stolen from her hand on a night out.

Solent University student Selina King, 23, was outside The Standing Order in the high street on Sunday, October 10 when her blue iPhone 12 Pro was stolen.

She said: "I am physically ok, but I have been affected emotionally. I use my phone to keep in contact with family and friends, use it for university and have personal things on there.

"It was just after 11 o'clock when a man approached me. He said his name was Simon and that he was 32 and from London.

"I was just being friendly and chatting with him as he was asking me for the best places to party.

"He asked if he could lean on my phone to roll himself a joint. I held my phone out, still holding it, then suddenly he took it.

"I was trying to get it off him, and I was in hysterics."

Selina said the man threatened to smash her phone if she continued to cry.

She said: "People were just walking by and not helping. Then, he ran off and passers-by chased after him. I was sat on the floor crying.

"Now, after this, I am worried about walking home on my own.

"I want to have hope that my phone will be found but I don't want to get my hopes up. I've only had my phone since the start of this year.

"I'm absolutely distraught and shaken up by this incident."

The incident has been reported to the police.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "Officers are investigating after we were called at 11.47pm on Sunday, 10 October to a report of a theft on high street, Southampton.

"A woman in her 20s reported a man stole her mobile phone and ran off.

"Members of the public managed to apprehend the man but upon police arrival, the man ran off in the direction of Houndwell Park.

"No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing."