Police hunt gang of youths who assaulted and robbed teenage boy

The 16-year-old victim suffered a fractured wrist and bruising to face after being kicked and punched to the ground on the Greenlands estate in Preston.

The incident happened at around 9.40pm on Saturday, January 23 on Dawnay Road near to the junction with Cowley Road and saw the victim told to empty his pockets before a Samsung mobile phone was stolen.

Police say the boy was walking along Dawnay Road with a friend when they were approached by a group of up to six male youths some of whom were on bikes. Two of the group then threatened the victim before attacking him by kicking and punching him to the ground. He was taken to hospital via ambulance but has since been released.

Police describe the main attacker as white skinned and was wearing black clothing. He is aged between 16 and 18 years old and is about 5ft 9in with short dark hair.

DC Ian Zanelli of Preston CID said: “The young victim has suffered nasty injuries and was extremely shaken up following the ordeal. We are keen to trace the males involved whom we believe are local youths from the area. We would urge anyone who has any information that could assist with our enquiries to come forward.”

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 1460 of January 23.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Police say no personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.