A wrench-wielding gang of teenage boys is being sought by police following an attack in Avenham Park.
The 15-year-old victim was walking in the park close to the Ribblesdale Place entrance when he was approached by a group of 10 teenage boys.
The group demanded the boy’s watch during the incident at around 8m on Thursday (18 May).
When the victim refused he was attacked with a wrench.
He suffered facial injuries including a split lip and damage to his teeth.
The boy fell to the floor and handed a watch, a Rolex Yacht Master in blue and gold, to the attackers.
Seven of the teenagers made off from the scene with three boys staying to help the victim.
Read more: Women robbed by three men in Avenham Park
The offenders are described as a stocky male with dark hair, a boy with curly blonde hair carrying a JD sports bag and wearing an Armani jacket, as well as one boy with dark curly hair.
Detectives are appealing for information and urging anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the offenders to call police.
Det Con Katie Clancy of Preston CID said: “This was a nasty, vicious and unprovoked attack where a teenage boy has been robbed.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the robbery or knows those people involved.
“Any information reported will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
If you can help police, please call 101 or contact Det Con Clancy on (01772) 209754 quoting log reference 1471 of May 18.
Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org