A GANG of youths are suspected of threatening a number of people in Middlesbrough with a baseball bat, leaving one of them in hospital.

A 14-year-old girl was approached by the suspects and was threatened with a silver, metal baseball bat before having her phone stolen.

The same group is also accused of threatening three males and demanding property from them.

The gang then accused of assaulting another two males by hitting them with the bat.

Cleveland Police are appealing for witnesses to the incidents, which took place in the early evening of Wednesday, March 14.

The alleged incidents happened near to the footbridge at the end of Crossfell Road, which leads to Belle Vue Grove, between 7pm and 8pm.

A 26-year-old man suffered injuries which required hospital treatment. He was later released from hospital.

Four males aged 13, 14, 15 and 16 have been arrested in connection with the offences and all remain in police custody at this time.

Any witnesses or with anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Thacker on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 45474.