POLICE in Poole are appealing for witnesses after four teenage boys were victimised by a group of 20-30 youths who tried to rob them of their bikes.

In a separate incident, the group did manage to steal a bike from another boy, who was made to give them his mobile phone to get his bike back.

The incident happened at Upton Heath between 1pm and 1.40pm, when three friends rode their bikes over jumps in Hidden Valley and one of them was asked to hand over his bike.

The 14-year-old from Poole refused to give the group his bike and tried to ride away but was knocked off his bike then punched and kicked.

Another boy, said to be around 15 years old, grabbed him by his cycle helmet and pulled him backwards.

This boy was described as being fat, with a freckly complexion, and was wearing beige tracksuit bottoms, a dark blue Lonsdale top and white trainers.

One of the other boys, who threw the cycle helmet at one of the victim's friends, is described as being skinny, around 13 years old, 5ft 6in tall, with ginger hair and wearing a red and black hooded top.

Another member of the gang spat in the face of the 14-year-old. He was described as being around 15 years old, 5ft 9in tall, of skinny build, with an olive complexion, and he was wearing an earring in his left ear and a baby blue sweatshirt with small white stripes, Police constable Barry Gosling of Gravel Hill Police, said: "These boys had their enjoyment shattered by a cowardly group of youths who had decided to spend their time bullying passers-by."

He added: "This group of youths has shown a complete lack of respect for their community and their peers.

"There is no acceptable excuse for gathering in such a large group to intimidate and frighten other members of the public."

Witnesses with information can contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.