Police are appealing for information after a 16-year-old boy was punched and three of his friends, all 16, were forced to hand over their belongings.

The robbery happened behind Leisure World in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, on August 21.

The four boys were walking along the road, near the astro-turf, jsut before 1.30pm when they were approached by four men. One of the boys was then punched a number of times and he sustained bruising.

He was treated by paramedics.

The boys were forced to hand over belongings including a wallet and green Adidas rucksack, which contained clothing.

All the suspects have been described as being about 20. Three of them were white and one was mixed race.

Police later arrested two 17-year-old boys from Colchester on suspicion of robbery. They were later bailed, pending further inquiries, until September 12.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Dc Dominique Savoury at Colchester CID on 101.