POLICE are appealing for witnesses after four teenage boys were allegedly assaulted by a group of around 20 youths in Prenton last night.

Four boys, aged between 16 and 17, were reportedly attacked by the group in Duck Pond Lane Park, behind the Aldi car park in Woodchurch Road at around 7pm on Saturday, January 14.

Members of the group were described as being between 12 and 20 years of age, wearing dark clothing, and some members were armed with what were described as metal poles and baseball bats.

The incident was reported to Merseyside Police at around 7.45pm, and the offenders had already made off before officers arrived.

The victims were taken to hospital for treatment on a variety of minor injuries.

CCTV, forensic and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out and detectives want to speak to any witnesses to the assault.

Sgt Simon Douch, Wirral detective at Merseyside Police, said: "Although it is early in our investigations, this appears to have been a completely unprovoked attack.

"Although we do not know at this stage exactly how many were in the group, we are keen to speak to anyone who saw a group of youths in and around the area in the early evening, including the park, the Arno gardens, or close to the supermarkets on Woodchurch Road. Any detail, however, small may be vital to our investigation.

"We believe that the youths directly involved in the assault were part of a larger group and I am sure some of these young people would be appalled at the actions of those responsible, and would not want to be associated with such cowardly actions.

"The victims are understandably shocked at what happened and are being supported by their families and police at this time. We are all thankful that these boys were not more seriously injured.

"I would like to reassure people that incidents like this are rare on the Wirral but we will be increasing patrols in the area and will be doing everything possible to bring the offenders to justice."

Anyone who has information is urged to contact detectives on 0151 777 2265, call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.