TEENAGERS on bikes attacked another youth but backed away after elderly dogwalkers approached the area.

The 17-year-old victim was walking on the footpath between Northern Road and Vicarage Road, known locally as St Mary’s Park, in the early evening of November 25, when he noticed the group of cyclists following him.

They began shouting at him and followed him to the steps of St Mary's Church, where several of them punched him in the head.

The victim managed to defend himself against the group members, none of whom were known to him. The group backed away when an elderly lady and a man walking a dog approached the area.

The 17-year-old was shocked but not seriously injured by the attack.

Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses and information as they investigate the incident.

One of the youths in the group is described as black, approximately 17 years old, 5 ft 8 inches tall, wearing a light grey tracksuit. of medium build and with dreadlocks. He was wearing a light grey tracksuit.

Another member of the group is described as white, aged 17 and 5 ft 8 inches tall. He was of a heavy build and was wearing a dark grey zip-up hoodie.

The third boy in the group is described as white, aged 17, of skinny build, with long blonde hair. He was wearing glasses and a black pull-over hooded jumper and black jeans, and riding a BMX.

Anyone who may have information in relation to the suspects, or anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police, should call 101.