POLICE are appealing for witnesses after three 15-year old boys were the victims of a robbery and a theft.

The robbery happened around 3.30pm in London Road, Ipswich, yesterday near to the junction with Surrey Road.

The boys were approached by a man who began to talk to them. They followed the man down a nearby path, where he demanded and took a small amount of money and two mobile phones, from two of the boys.

The offender is described as a man of mixed race, aged in his twenties, approximately 5’9” tall, of a ‘stocky’ build, with brown hair which was shaven around the sides and short on top.

He had a small beard and a star tattoo on his neck, and was wearing cream trousers, Nike trainers and a black t-shirt with a white pattern on the front.

After the incident the three boys walked to Christchurch Park, entering through Fonnereau Road and saw a mixed group of 20 to 30 people. The boys approached them and began talking.

Between 5pm and 5.30pm a black man from the group, snatched a mobile phone from one of the 15-year-old boys.

The offender is described as a black man, between 15 to 20-years-old, approximately 6’1” tall, with short black hair and was wearing a black jacket with black trousers.

It is unclear at this stage whether the offenders from both incidents are linked.

Anyone with information about the incident or recognises any of the individuals described is asked to call Ipswich Priority Crime Team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.