THREE boys have been taken to hospital following an attack by a gang of youths armed with a baseball bat.

All three boys suffered facial injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The youngsters, reportedly in their early teens were approached by a group of between eight and ten older youths on Sandhill Lane in Lee-on-the-Solent.

According to police, one of the attackers was carrying a black baseball bat during the incident which happened at around 8pm on December 28.

When the three boys refused to empty their pockets, the group attacked them and stole their belongings.

The suspects are all described as being male, 17 to 19-years-old and having their faces covered.

The stolen items include two grey iPhone 6s, a grey Gucci wallet containing cash, a debit card and a Thorpe Park season ticket, and a speaker.

Officers are now appealing for information from witnesses.

A police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses who live in the area or may have been out walking their dog and seen the group of youths in the Cherque Farm area.

"We believe they travelled to the area on foot from Gosport and that one of them may have been riding a bicycle."

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting 44190464891 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.