Teenage boys were robbed of their valuables, including iPhones and a portable speaker, during an alleyway attack in Harpenden.

The incident took place at about 4.30pm on Saturday, April 26. The four victims were walking through an alleyway off Shakespeare Road when a man ran past and stopped in front of them.

Two other men then approached the victims from behind. One of the victims was punched to the face and the theives demanded they hand over any valuables.

The group have made off with one portable speaker, two iPhone 4s and an iPhone 5.

The suspects are described as follows:
• A mixed race man, 18 to 19yrs old, 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall. He is described as having a big belly and a black chin-strap style beard. He was wearing an all grey ‘True Religion’ tracksuit that had thick stitching. He was wearing the hood up and was carrying a small black bag that had a strap that went across his body.
• A mixed race man, 18 to 19yrs old, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins tall.  He had braces on his teeth and was wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood up and white trainers.
• A white man, 16 to 17yrs old, 5ft to 5ft 3ins tall.  Had a high pitched voice and was wearing a blue Ralph Lauren hooded top with the hood up and a black peaked cap underneath and light blue jeans.

Detective Sergeant Carolyn Taylder said: "Whilst thankfully no-one was seriously injured, this was understandably an ordeal for the victims to go through. I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to contact police. I would also appeal to anyone who is aware of someone having come into possession of the items taken unexpectedly to contact officers.

"I would also like to reassure members of the public that there will be increased patrols in the area, but I would also encourage people to consider some crime prevention advice below."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number F2/14/590. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.