A Preston schoolboy was assaulted and robbed of his mobile phone on the way home from school.
The 14 year old was attacked by three boys on an alleyway on Burnslack Road, Ribbleton, on Monday 15 April.
They blocked his path and asked to borrow his Blackberry.
He refused and was then threatened, pushed, put in a headlock and then punched in the face.
As he lay on the ground one of the boys stamped on his face and stole the phone from his pocket.
Police believe the boys are aged between 10 and 16 years old.
Sergeant Martin Pearson from Preston CID said: “This was a nasty attack on a young boy and I’d reassure people that a full investigation is underway.
“Luckily the boy was not seriously hurt but he sustained bruising and swelling to the face and has understandably been left very upset and shook-up.
“I’s urge anybody that was in the area and the time or thinks they know the boys responsible to contact Lancashire Police on 101.”
One of the boys is described as having a pale, clear complexion and the second boy is described as having a dirty face and very short, medium brown hair. The third boy had pale skin with spots around his chin, jaw and forehead and greasy brown hair pushed forward.
People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.