A woman refused to help a teenager as two youths stole his pocket money and forced him to wipe their shoes.

Police yesterday revealed details of the attack in which the 13-year-old victim was stopped in Haywards Road, Haywards Heath, and threatened by the youths.

During the attack, on August 5 at about 4pm, the boy called out to a passer-by for help but the woman swore at him and left.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are appealing for this vital witness to contact us. She may not have realised what was happening."

The woman is described as being in her 40s and was wearing a white T-shirt under a black blazer.

One of the youths was about 16, 5ft 7in, chubby and wearing a dark beanie hat and blue clothing. He had a London accent.

The other youth was 16 to 17, 5ft 10in, skinny and wearing light clothing and a white baseball cap.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0845 6070999.