A TEENAGER was punched by hooded robbers in a vicious attack in Widnes.

The 17-year-old was walking along Bancroft Road towards Smythe Road when he was followed by three to four men.

The gang, wearing hooded tops, set upon him and punched him as he reached the junction of Edward Street and Castle Street.

The victim fell to the floor and the offenders then stamped on his face and stole a quantity of cash from his pocket.

He sustained serious injuries to his face.

The robbery happened between 11.30pm on Friday, February 24 and 12.10am.

The yobs had followed the teenager as he walked along Norlands Road onto Halton View Lodge before reaching Edward Street.

Police officers are urging witnesses to come forward.

Detective constable Jordan Trentini, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “At this stage we are currently in the process of following a number of lines of enquiry.

“To help us with the investigation I would like to speak to anyone who was around the area at the time of the incident and urge them to contact us.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 15 of 25 February.

Information can also be passed anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.