A 16-year-old boy was dragged into an alleyway and punched several times during a robbery in Letchworth.

He was walking home near Cowlslip Hill, near the junction with Redhoods Way East, when the robbery took place at around 10.30pm on Thursday, August 14.

As he was passing an alleyway near Norton Common, he was grabbed from behind by two men demanding money. The men searched the boy’s pockets, taking a house key and a can of Coke, before pulling him into the alleyway and hitting him several times.

A passing car distracted the men and the boy ran away. It is unknown in which direction the men went.

The first suspect is described as black, around 19, of muscular build and around 6ft. He was wearing what appeared to be a black ski mask over his head with holes for the eyes, a smart short-sleeved dark, polo shirt, dark blue jeans and black gloves.

The second suspect is described as black, around 16, 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in tall and skinny. He was wearing light grey tracksuit bottoms and a light grey hooded top which was pulled up over his head so that only his eyes and part of his nose were visible.

Detective constable Steve Cook said: “The boy was left understandably shaken by the assault. I would urgently like to trace these two men and would appeal to anyone who saw them before, during or after the incident to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Cook via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.