Police are hunting for a vicious gang of teenage thugs who robbed two terrified young groups of friends at knifepoint in a Blackpool park.

The gang, of up to four youths, targeted two separate sets of youngsters - all aged 12 and 13 - as they played on Kingscote Park, Layton, between 8pm and 9pm on Monday night.

It is believed the offenders - who were all wearing black tracksuits - made off with cash, mobile phones and other personal goods after threatening the two groups of schoolchildren with small knife.

Specially-trained officers have spent all this week working with the young victims in a bid to uncover further details about the attack, whilst colleagues locate vital CCTV footage of the area around the popular park.

A spokesman for the investigating team, PC Craig Shirtcliffe said: "These victims were all extremely young to be subjected to such a terrifying attack and have been left very shaken by the experience.

"But so far they have been very brave in volunteering information and we're positive they will be able to help us unearth the identities of the offenders before too long."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Blackpool police on 01253 293933 or, in confidence, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.