A teenager had a 5 inch knife held to his stomach and was punched in the face when a gang of youths set upon him as he walked home.

The 17-year-old was walking home when he saw a group in front of him.

He was in the Pheasant Lane footpath from Sutton Road, close to Maidstone Cemetery around 3pm on Friday, June 26.

After asking to borrow a lighter, one stepped behind him, while a second held a knife to his stomach. They searched him and emptied his pockets.

After taking cash and two mobile phones, one of them punched him in the face. They then walked away.

"This was a cowardly act against a young man walking home on his own..." - DC Ben Clatworthy

Police have released descriptions of the two. The first was 5ft 3ins, aged between 17 and 19, white and with a thin build with dark brown cropped hair. He was wearing a pair of stonewashed jeans.

The second is described as black, aged between 18 and 22, 5ft 11ins and overweight. He was wearing black jeans and a black Adidas jumper with white stripes.

The knife is thought to have been 5.5 inch (14cm) blade, with a brown handle and serrated edge.

DC Ben Clatworthy said: "This was a cowardly act against a young man walking home on his own. Thankfully he hasn’t suffered any serious injuries but anyone who carries a knife on our streets is clearly a danger to the public."

If you can help call DC Clatworthy on 01732 379145 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.