Detectives in Luton are warning members of the public to take extra precautions after a school student was subjected to an attempted robbery on Monday.
The incident happened between 3.10pm and 3.20pm as the 15-year-old victim walked home from school along a footpath in St. Thomas’ Road, Stopsley, towards Hitchin Road.
The victim was shouted at and approached by five teenagers who demanded he hand over his mobile phone.
The offenders searched the victim’s pockets and assaulted the boy before other pupils came to help him.
The offenders, who were all boys, between 14 to 17 years old, four are described as mixed race and one is described as black, all left the scene empty handed.
Detective Constable Lucy Arnold, investigating, is keen to trace anyone who can help identify those responsible and remind young people to take extra precautions when they are out and about during the summer holidays.
DC Arnold said: “I would urge anyone who has information relating to the five responsible for this incident to come forward and help stop them from targeting other young people.”
She added: “Bedfordshire Police does often record an increase in robberies involving young people during the summer months when they are out and about enjoying the hot weather.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind them to be extra vigilant, stay with their friends and keep their belongings out of sight.”