A TEENAGER was assaulted before having his guitar stolen during a 'cowardly' robbery in Radcliffe.

The 17-year-old boy was walking along Banana Path, off Spring Lane, at around 8pm on Friday, October 12 when he was approached by three unknown men.

The men demanded he hand over the guitar that he was carrying.

When he refused, he was punched several times in the head, causing bruising.

One of the men then threatened him with a knife before the three offenders ran off with the guitar and the case in the direction of Radcliffe Metrolink stop.

They are described as being around 5ft 10ins and were dressed all in black. No further description is available.

The guitar is a Tanglewood electro-acoustic.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Barker of Bury Police Station said: “This was a cowardly robbery that left the victim understandably shaken.

“The robbery took place while it was dark and while we don’t have very complete descriptions of the offenders, we are confident someone knows who did this.

“Maybe you saw someone carrying a guitar case in the area around the time of the offence or perhaps you’ve seen someone trying to sell a guitar like this one recently.

“Anyone with information should call police immediately.”

Information can be left with police on 0161 856 8152 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.