A TEENAGER was stabbed in the leg by a gang of youths who stole his £200 Gucci cap.

The 17-year-old was with a group of friends on the cycle path on Basselton Lane, Thornaby, Teesside.

He was approached by another group of around six males at around 8.10pm on Monday.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "One of the males asked for a cigarette and after a brief discussion between the two groups, one male snatched the victim's cap from his head and the group ran off.

"The victim and his friends followed the group and caught up with them, when the victim grabbed the male who had taken his cap.

"The male had a stick in his hand, and hit the victim on the head with it. The victim was then pushed to the ground and he heard one of the group shout “stab him.”

"When the victim got off the floor he realised he was bleeding and had a wound to his leg. He was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, where he had surgery and was released from hospital yesterday.

"The suspect is described as a white male, around 17 years old, 6ft 3ins tall, of skinny build, wearing a black balaclava, a shiny black Moncler bodywarmer, dark bottoms and was carrying a large stick.

"The stolen cap is described as a Gucci black cap with three green and red stripes on each side. It is worth over £200."

  • Anyone with information regarding the incident or the person responsible is asked to contact Detective Inspector Jon Tapper from Stockton Operational Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 28747.
  • Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org