Thug knocks out teen's teeth with rock in robbery
The wounded 17-year-old had one of his teeth knocked straight through his cheek during the robbery, which left him needing around 17 stitches.
The victim's mother said: "He's quite disfigured."
Now police have launched an appeal for information about the attacker.
Officers said the incident began as the teenager was walking home via Streetly Lane, in Sutton. He was approached by a male, thought to be around the same age, who engaged him in conversation.
As they approached the junction with Park View Road, the robber launched a violent attack, lashing out with a rock and a martial arts-style kick, before making off with his victim's phone and a small amount of cash.
Police said the wounded teenager remains very traumatised by the incident.
The victim's mother, who asked not to be named, told the Observer: "He had 17 stitches inside and outside his mouth.
"He was hit with a rock and lost two front teeth, one of which came through his cheek.
"He also had a wound to the forehead which needed gluing together. These are significant injuries."
His aunt said: "It was a horrendous attack and he is really shaken up.
"The attacker did a flying kick at him, like something out of a Bruce Lee movie.
"We found one of his teeth on the pavement, in the snow."
His mother urged people with information to come forward and added that the robbery could have had far more serious consequences.
She said: "This could have been a fatality. My son is very fit and managed to stay upright, but if he was brought down on the floor, in the cold, it could have been different."
She praised police for their support and commitment to finding the person responsible.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said the assailant spoke of kick-boxing skills and seemed to have a good knowledge of the area.
Officers describe him as white, aged around 17, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 11in, of athletic build, with medium-to-dark brown hair styled with gel.
He wore two hooded tops. One was black and another, in grey and white, was worn over it, with the outer garment featuring a square pattern.
He is also described as having a distinctive nose, which has possibly been broken in the past.
The stolen mobile is a SciPhone model, similar in appearance to an Apple iPhone.
The attack happened around 3.50am on Sunday, February 17.
Anyone who witnessed it, or has information, should phone the robbery team at Sutton Coldfield police station on 0845 113 5000, or the confidential Crimestoppers service on 0800 555111.
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