POLICE are appealing for help to track down a gang who attacked a teenage boy and stole his £1,200 mountain bike.

The 15-year-old was attacked at about 8pm on Wednesday, August 9, outside The Grapes pub in St Helens Road, Eccleston Park after he and three friends had been approached by another group of four youths.

One of the gang grabbed the victim and demanded that he hand over his bike. When the boy refused, a scuffle broke out and he fell to the floor still holding on to his bike. The offender then repeatedly stamped on the boy's head before grabbing the bike and escaping with his friends.

Two of the victim's friends were frightened off by the gang and the remaining friend was attacked by another youth.

The stolen bike was a Club Roost Trials bike with a chrome coloured aluminium frame and hydraulic brakes. It had the world Stinger written on the frame in yellow and black.

Police have issued this computer image of the youth who attacked the boy. He is described as 5ft 10in to 6ft tall with short brown hair and he was wearing a grey tracksuit top and navy-blue bottoms. He spoke with a Liverpool accent.

Anyone able to help the police with their inquiries can contact DC Paul Ford at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6063, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.