A TEENAGER was left with a broken skull after being violently robbed by a BMX bike gang in Whitefield.

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.

At about 7pm on Sunday April 5, two boys, aged 16 and 17 were leaving the park with some other friends, when a group of about eight or nine people – two of whom were on BMX bikes - approached.

Following a brief conversation, one of the gang emerged from the group and assaulted the two boys. The 17-year-old victim suffered a fractured skull.

He also had his Ray Ban sunglasses stolen and his friend had a pack back stolen.

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 and officers suspect that the same group was responsible for both offences.

Two boys aged 16 and 17 have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify and arrest the outstanding 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.