A 17-year-old with learning difficulties was robbed and subjected to verbal abuse by a gang of youths.

The victim was approached by the group as as made his way along Havelock Road, Luton at 9pm on Monday, July 23.

The teen was verbally abused before two of the group pulled his jacket from him and threw it in to the road.

The pair have then searched the victim’s pockets and took his headphones before leaving the scene.

A short time later officers arrested two 14-year-olds in connection with this incident and they have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The officer in charge of this investigation, Detective Constable Rebecca Kitts, is keen to trace witnesses to the robbery and the events leading up to the crime.

DC Kitts said: “This was an appalling incident where a group of youths has bullied this young man as he walked from People’s Park and a number of them have then robbed him of his personal property.

“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and Bedfordshire Police will do all it can to crackdown on those who victimise vulnerable people within our communities.

“I would urge anyone who saw this incident to come forward and speak to the police.

“They can do this in complete confidence, and together we can stop this type of crime reoccurring.”

Anyone with information about this crime can contact DC Kitts on 01582 473054, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, 0800 555 111.