A TEENAGER was left with a broken skull after being violently robbed by a gang of young thugs in a Whitefield park.

Police believe the group could be responsible for a number of vicious attacks in Thatch Leach Park on Easter Sunday which also saw a young girl punched in the head and a 14-year-old boy threatened with a bottle.

Detectives have issued a public appeal to track down the gang of about eight or nine people – two of whom were on BMX bikes.

The first incident happened around 7pm on Sunday April 5, when two boys, aged 16 and 17 were leaving the park, off Thatch Leach Lane. with other friends, when they were approached by the group.

Following a brief conversation, one of the gang and assaulted the two boys., causing the 17-year-old to sustain a fractured skull. He also had his Ray Ban sunglasses stolen and his friend had a packback snatched off him. A girl who was with them was also punched in the head.

About an hour later, a 14-year-old boy was threatened with a bottle and had his phone stolen.

Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were later arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify and arrest the offenders.

Detective Constable Martin Brown said: “A number of victims had been enjoying the bank holiday weekend in the park and were subjected to threats, assaults and robbery.

“These are serious offences committed by a group who outnumbered and intimidated their victims.

“I am appealing for information from anyone who thinks they know the people responsible.

“I doubt the entire group was responsible for these offences and there will be some within those individuals who will have been upset by what they saw and I would encourage them to come forward and talk to us.

“By maintaining silence, they are equally as culpable as the offenders.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8223, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.