ARMED robbers attacked a teenager in Brighton Hill, threatening him with a knife and hitting him over the head.

Basingstoke police have issued an appeal for witnesses following the terrifying ordeal which happened on Saturday, January 2, near Asda supermarket.

The victim’s father, who does not want to be named, said the robbers, who he said were wearing hoodies and masks, struck his 15-year-old son on the head from behind, before threatening him with a knife to his stomach.

“He is very shaken and bruised,” he said, adding that the robbers made off with £10.

His teenage son did not require hospital treatment for his injuries.

Police said they would be increasing patrols in the area.

In a statement, a spokesman said: "We are appealing for witnesses and information after a 15 year old boy was threatened with a knife before being robbed on a footpath in Basingstoke.

"The incident occurred between 4.45pm and 5.10pm on Saturday, January 2. The victim was walking with a friend along the footpath running between Brighton Hill School and Quilter Road - opposite the zebra crossing in the Asda car park.

"They were approached by three teenage suspects who assaulted the victim by hitting him in the face, causing bruising. He was then threatened with a knife and asked for money. He gave them a small quantity of cash and they ran off.

"All three suspects are described as being slim white males, aged between 16 and 17, all wearing dark clothing and wearing dark coloured face masks.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious relating to this incident, please get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference 44210001745. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting the same reference or report online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org."