A gang of robbers are being hunted by police following an attack on teenage boys in Harpenden on Saturday afternoon.

The victims were walking through an alleyway off Shakespeare Road at about 4.30pm when the robbers pounced.

One of the gang ran past them and stopped in front, blocking their way, two others then approached them from behind, punching one of the victims in the face and demanding they hand over any valuables.

They escaped with a portable speaker, two iPhone 4s and an iPhone 5.

The first suspect was a mixed race male, 18 to 19, 5ft 8ins to 6ft, with a big belly and a black chin-strap style beard. He was wearing an all grey ‘True Religion’ tracksuit that had thick stitching with the hood up. and was carrying a small black bag that had a strap that went across his body.

The second was another mixed race male of a similar age, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins, with braces on his teeth and wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood up and white trainers.

The final robber was a white male, 16 to 17, 5ft to 5ft 3ins. He had a high pitched voice and was wearing a blue Ralph Lauren hooded top with the hood up and a black peaked cap underneath and light blue jeans.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Carolyn Taylder said: “While thankfully no-one was seriously injured, this was understandably an ordeal for the victims to go through. I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to contact police. I would also appeal to anyone who is aware of someone having come into possession of the items taken unexpectedly to contact officers.

“I would also like to reassure members of the public that there will be increased patrols in the area, but I would also encourage people to consider some crime prevention advice below.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Herts Police non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.