A TEENAGER was attacked and almost had his bicycle stolen in an attack at the underpass under Whitehill Way on Monday afternoon.

The lad had been riding near Fitness First gym at around 4.15pm along the cycle path to the underpass when he noticed two males stood near the entrance.

As he attempted to ride pass them, both stepped out in front of him causing him to stop.

Both males were wearing balaclavas and had their hoods up. The males then attacked the victim, at which point another male joined them.

The third male attempted to take the bicycle but the victim managed to grab his bike back; at this point the three attackers ran off towards the nearby fire station at Westlea.

The victim was left shaken but unhurt.

PC Scott Young said: "This was a nasty attack and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen these three youths in this area around this time or may have seen anything suspicious in the area yesterday afternoon.

"The males are described as follows; one: white, approx. 6ft tall, around 17 years old, slim, wearing black jeans, a grey Puffa-style jacket with hood, a black balaclava and gloves.

"Two: white, approx. 5ft 8 tall, around 15-years-old, slim, wearing black jeans, a grey hooded top with a blue rim around the hood, a black balaclava and black and blue gloves.

"Three: white, approx. 5ft 8 tall, around 14-years-old, slim, wearing grey Adidas tracksuit bottoms with red stripes down each leg, a grey hooded top with the hood up, a red badge logo/crest on his chest and a black balaclava.

"If anyone can help please come forward. This is a well-used cycle path and underpass, someone may have seen something.

"If you can help please call me on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."