A TEENAGE boy was injured after a gang of yobs hit him in the face and stole his bike and phone in Bebington.

At around 3.30pm on Sunday (October 14) a 16-year-old boy was near to the Oval on Old Chester Road with friends when they were approached by around 10 yobs all aged about 14.

A firework was allegedly thrown by one of the yobs but it missed.

The 16-year-old was then hit in the face before his bike and mobile phone were stolen.

Detectives have now issued an appeal to trace those responsible.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.

Detective constable Mike Neithercut said: "This was a disgusting and unprovoked attack which has left a teenage boy injured and understandably shocked.

"The actions of this group will not be tolerated and could have led to even more serious injuries.

"We are issuing an image of the bike in the hope that someone has seen it in the area or been offered it for sale. I also want to get the message out to parents and guardians and friends of young people in the area who think people they know may have been hanging around this area on Sunday.

"Speak to your children and children in your care, and if you have any information, do the right thing and come forward.

"There is no place for threats and violence on the streets of Merseyside and we will act on all information given to identify those responsible and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on social media via @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 18400000411 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.