POLICE are investigating a suspected gang of robbers after they struck three times in half an hour.

Last Thursday afternoon, between 4pm and 4.30pm, Middlesbrough Police received reports of three separate robberies on the footpaths at the back of The James Cook University Hospital, near the railway line.

Officers believe they are connected because of the similarities in the way they were carried out.

The three victims, who were in their late teens, were targeted while walking home and they all had personal items, including mobile phones, stolen from them.

One required hospital treatment for facial injuries, but was then discharged. The other two received superficial injuries, which did not require medical attention.

Witnesses described between six and eight youths being responsible on each occasion.

Police arrested two local male youths shortly after the incidents, and a third later that evening. Another three males were arrested the following morning.

All were questioned by detectives, then released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The ages of the boys arrested range from 12 to late teens.

Detective Sergeant John Wrintmore, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "Despite there being three incidents within a very short timescale, this was a rare occurrence.

"All such crimes will be thoroughly investigated, with the aim of bringing the cowardly perpetrators to justice."

Anyone with information or who witnessed events that afternoon are asked to call Cleveland Police, on 01642-303126, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.