A GROUP of youths punched and kicked a 17-year-old boy leaving him with a fractured shoulder before stealing his bike.

The teenager was with his friend in Darlington’s South Park on the evening of Tuesday, May 27 when he was approached by a group of around 25 youths.

Police said they verbally abused the pair and chased them as they tried to cycle away before dragging the victim off his bike and assaulting him.

He was kicked and punched on his face and body, leaving him with a fractured shoulder and a number of other injuries.

The group, which included boys and girls, also stole a pearl white Nukeproof Snap frame bike belonging to the victim.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault, which happened between 7.30pm to 8pm near the park’s tennis courts.

One of the youths is about 17, of slim build, and was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and a grey jacket.

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 and ask for Detective Constable Vikki Cooper, of Darlington CID.