TWO teenage boys were viciously attacked and robbed by a gang of yobs in Runcorn.

The 16-year-olds were walking along a tow path on the Bridgewater Canal beside Halton Road when three men assaulted them.

One of the victims was kicked and punched on the ground until he handed over his sports bag which contained a Blackberry 9300 mobile phone.

DC Marc Roberts from Runcorn Police Station said: “The victims ran off and raised the alarm with a passing member of the public.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time or witnessed what happened to come forward.

“Cheshire Police take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously.

“Enquiries are continuing.”

The two boys were left extremely shaken with bumps and bruises.

The unprovoked attack happened between 7.15pm and 7.30pm on Sunday, December 8, as the boys walked under a footbridge on a tow path leading to Sea Lane.

Anyone with information is urged to call DC mark Roberts on 01606 363914 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 747 08/12/13.