A 17-year-old on his way home was assaulted by a man throwing rocks from a tree, Free State police said on Sunday.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Philani Mvuna said the teenager was walking home at about 6.30pm on Saturday night in Frankfort when he walked past a tree.

"There was a man in the tree wanting to steal his cellphone.

"The man threw a rock at the teenager's head and jumped down to get the cellphone from him."

The teenager fought back and hit the would-be thief in the head with the rock.

The suspect was taken to hospital and is under police guard.

"Police are investigating a case of assault and attempted robbery," said Mvuna.

Sapa

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