A TEENAGER suffered a fractured jaw when he was assaulted by three boys in an alleyway.

The attack happened on the path that leads from Whalley Street to London Road, near AB Mini Mart, Blackburn, on Saturday at around 5.15pm.

The youngsters approached the victim from behind, forced him into a head lock and pushed him on to the floor where he was punched and kicked in the face A passer-by disturbed the boys, who were all described as being around 14-years-old and Asian, allowing the boy to climb up from the floor and run home.

Det Sgt Julie Cross said: “This boy was simply walking home after picking up some shopping for a neighbour but instead spent the night in hospital.

“I would appeal to anybody that witnessed this assault or with any information that could assist police to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”