POLICE are hunting a gang of youths who tried to rob a group of friends.

At around midnight on Tuesday, September 3, the victims were walking home after a night of playing pool.

At the junction of St James Park and Church Street, Southampton, they were approached by a group of eight youths one of who asked for a mobile phone.

When the smaller group refused and walked away the larger group followed them, with the ringleader repeatedly demanding money and the phone prompting a number of attacks by the larger group.

At one point, one of the victims knocked on doors in an attempt to get help.

No injuries were suffered.

The group of eight were black and white youths, aged 16 to 17. Some had push bikes, and all wore dark hooded tops.

The ringleader was white, about 5ft 7ins tall and slim. He had a wispy moustache and wore a woolly hat under the hood.

Detective Constable John Goulbourne is leading the investigation appealed for anyone who was in the area of St James Park or Church Street at the time of the incident to come forward with information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shirley CID on 101.