A TEENAGER was taken to hospital with head injuries and burns to the eyes following an attack in Popley.

Police received reports of an incident which took place between 12.20am and 12.50am on Saturday, 4 August, where the 16-year-old boy was walking on a footpath between Abbey Road and Tewkesbury Close when he was assaulted by three men who had their faces covered.

The victim was hit with items described as either baseball bats or a wooden pole, before an unknown substance was sprayed in his eyes.

Following the attack, the men stole the victim’s phone, described as a rose gold iPhone 6S.

The teenager was taken to hospital for treatment to a cut to his head, burns to his eyes and various other cuts and bruises, but has since been discharged.

One of the assailants was described as wearing a red hooded top and a tracksuit. A second man was described as wearing a puffer-style bodywarmer, over a light-coloured T-shirt, and the third man was described as wearing a dark top.

Police arrested a 31-year-old man from Basingstoke in connection with the incident. He has since been released from custody but remains under investigation.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information which could help identify the people involved.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting 44180294519, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.