A 16-year-old boy was robbed and severely beaten on Fairylands Road, Pembroke on Sunday.

The youth was standing with a group of friends when a car containing several men drove up to them, apparently to ask for directions.

After leaving the scene, the men returned minutes later on foot and demanded the youngster hand over his necklace.

Upon refusing, the boy was knocked to the ground by a blow from a crash helmet and whilst lying prostrate was punched and kicked repeatedly.

The men made off with the necklace and several other pieces of jewellery which the boy had in his possession.

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for facial cuts and abrasions.

The main suspect is described as a chubby, dark skinned black male, approximately five feet, nine inches tall.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a black baseball cap, blue jeans, a camouflage top and a bandanna across his mouth.

The suspect?s car is described as an older model red Mitsubishi sedan.

Police are asking for anybody with any information about the incident to call the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.