POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an gang assault on a teenage boy earlier this week.

The incident took place on Monday, January 20 at around 6.45pm close to the bus stop on Welcombe Avenue, opposite the Cavendish Square shops.

A group of approximately 10 youths aged between 14-17 years old confronted two young males aged 13 and 16 years of age.

Various members of the group attacked the 16 year-old by punching him and knocking him to the floor. As a result, the teenager fell unconscious 

While the victim was on the floor, the rest of the group began punching and kicking him to the face and body.

When the victim came too and attempted to get up, one of the males kicked the victim in the face causing the victim's head to hit the ground again.

PC Pedro Wiltshire said: "This victim is very lucky to have escaped with a chipped tooth and bruising to the face, chin and body - it could have been a lot worse due to the severity of the attack.

"I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this assault to contact Wiltshire Police immediately - the smallest piece of evidence could be all we need to locate these suspects."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.