Stick-wielding robbers terrorised a 16-year-old boy in broad daylight in a busy shopping area in Hamilton.

They chased the teenager as he attempted to flee, and repeatedly punched him until he parted with cash.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the Saturday afternoon attack which occurred near the entrance to Washington Mall -- a regular place for robberies and beatings.

The latest incident occurred at about 12.30 p.m., a busy time for weekend shoppers, particularly with Christmas just a month away.

Police say the victim was walking west along Church Street when the two boys -- one wielding a stick -- approached him and demanded money.

"The victim attempted to walk away but was chased by the offenders who punched him about the body at which point he handed over a quantity of cash,'' said Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning.

"The incident occurred during broad daylight in a busy part of Hamilton.'' P.c. Venning said witnesses should contact Hamilton CID on 295-0011.

Washington Mall has become a favourite haunt for Bermuda's young criminal fraternity. Recent incidents include: A horrifying gang attack on a Warwick Secondary School student last month.

Health Store owner Joyce Roberts said she was getting ready to close her shop when the boy ran into the store followed by six other youths. He was being hit and chased by the gang until she managed to get them to leave. She later noticed her wallet containing some cash, credit cards and her licence had been taken; A 15-year-old boy being targeted by a gang with a stun gun in August. He was walking on Church Street near Washington Mall when the youths gave chase and pressed the gun against his arm, giving him an electric shock; and Two 11-year-old Saltus Grammar School students, Christopher Griffiths and Bayard Outerbridge, being robbed of five dollars by three youths during a trip to the candy store this summer.

Over the last two years restaurants and businesses in Washington Mall have also been targeted by burglars.

In another robbery this weekend, a 34-year-old man lost out in the early hours yesterday after hitching a car ride from South Road in Paget, near Elbow Beach. There were three people in the vehicle.

"One of the passengers asked if the man had any change at which time he produced a handful of cash,'' said P.c. Venning.

"The passenger then proceeded to grab the money and while the vehicle stopped briefly in the area of St. Michael's Road the victim was ordered to get out of the car. He went to a phone box and called the Police.'' P.c. Venning said the incident occurred at about 12.30 a.m. yesterday.

"Enquiries are continuing,'' he added.

Meanwhile, Police are investigating a woman's report she found three intruders at her home South Road, Smith's Parish.

The three fled out of the back of the property and jumped over a garden wall after being disturbed. Nothing is believed to have been stolen.

The men are described as black and aged 16 to 20. They were wearing dark clothing.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call St. George's CID on 297-1122.