A BOY was knocked unconscious when he was set upon by a gang of older teens as he walked to school.

The 12-year-old was with another boy also aged 12 on the first day back in school after the lockdown in Littlehampton on Monday.

They went through the former Waitrose car park where three youths approached them and demanded cash.

The boy was punched in the face and knocked out during the incident at 10.30am.

He was taken to hospital with face injuries including bruising and swelling then was later discharged.

Three suspects fled the scene and were not found by police. They were aged 12 to 14. One wore a blue top, one wore green and the other wore a black top.

Sussex Police said: “We are investigating a report of an assault on a 12-year-old boy in Littlehampton on Monday and are appealing for witnesses.

“At around 10.30am two 12 year-old-boys were walking through the old Waitrose car park in Duke Street, Littlehampton on the way to school, when they were approached by three boys in their teens, who asked them for money.

“One of the 12-year-olds was punched in the face and knocked unconscious. He attended hospital after sustaining facial injuries, before later being discharged. The victim has been left with bruising and swelling.

“The three suspects ran away from the scene. Officers conducted an area search but they weren't located.”

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information relating to the incident should contact Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting serial 340 of 08/03.