POLICE have launched a hunt for a gang of teenagers after a boy was robbed in a Hampshire village.

The 12-year-old victim was walking along New Road, near to the junction with Coronation Road, in Swanmore between 5.30pm and 5.45pm on September 9 when he was grabbed from behind and he bag was pulled off.

The group of approximately five teenagers then fled with the bag, which contained the boy's mobile phone and cash.

The bag was found the following day in the Swanmore College car park with the phone still inside, but the cash had been taken. The was not injured in the robbery.

The gang were described as all being boys aged around 15 or 16 years old and were wearing dark coloured hoodies.

Detective Constable Clare Hughes said: “This incident happened during daylight hours, so it is likely that other members of the public were out and about in the area.

“Did you see what happened? Did you see a group of hooded males acting suspiciously in the area at this time? Please call us if you think you can help.”

Officers are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who has information about the robbery to police on 101, quoting reference '44170350165', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.