A 19-year-old man was beat up and his shiny new iPhone 6, which he was trying to sell online, was stolen during a meeting with a prospective buyer at a Pickering fast-food restaurant.

Durham Regional Police say the victim, who had advertised the much-sought-after phone for sale on Kijiji, met with the potential buyer at a McDonald’s at Kingston and Liverpool Rds. just after 8 p.m. Sunday.

“(The victim) handed the phone to the (man) to be inspected,” Sgt. Bill Calder said Tuesday. “The (man) left with the phone, suggesting he would be right back with the money.

“The victim followed him outside and was punched repeatedly,” Calder said, adding the thief then ran off towards Liverpool Rd. with the new iPhone 6.

The wanted man is described as white, about 25 years old, 5-foot-10, with a medium build and short dark hair. He was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, grey knee-length shorts and white running shoes.

Investigators have released an image of a suspect captured by a surveillance camera and are urging members of the public who recognize the man to come forward.

“Police would like to remind the public of the risks of re-selling items through online advertisements, especially when dealing with cellphones,” Calder said, explaining police have seen an increase in robberies involving such devices.

Anyone with information about this robbery should call investigators at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2535, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).