A BRAVE teenager suffered a fractured cheekbone and badly bruised ribs when he was struck with a baseball bat when ambushed by a gang of five youths.

The 17-year-old refused to hand over his mobile phone when the thugs approached him at 10.30pm on Sunday (Aug 3) in Heys Road, Prestwich.

They initially asked him for the time but then became aggressive and demanded the teenager's mobile phone which he was using at the time.

The teenager, who lives in Prestwich, twice refused to give his phone but was then struck about the head and body with a baseball bat by the thugs, all white. The victim punched one of the attackers before they ran off empty handed.

The victim went to North Manchester General Hospital for treatment to his injuries. He was later allowed to return home.

Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses to the attempted robbery and assault and have released descriptions of two of the gang.

The first offender is a white, male, aged 16, 6ft and of medium build. He had a spotty face, stubble on his chin, and was wearing a beanie hat and Nike footwear. His accomplice, who carried out the baseball attack, is also white, aged 16, and 5ft 11in.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.