Police are appealing for witnesses to three violent attacks on teenage boys in Walton and West Molesey that are being linked.

The first incident, being treated as assault and attempted robbery, happened at around 9.30pm on October 11.

A 15-year-old boy was walking from Walton station down the alleyway in Mayfield Road, Walton, when two boys approached him, got him in a headlock and hit him in the face before going through his pockets.

Police say nothing was reported stolen but the victim sustained facial injuries.

The second attack happened the following day at around 12.50pm when a 15-year-old boy was approached by “two males” in Down Street, West Molesey, and punched in the face numerous times.

In the third attack later that day at about 8.30pm, a 15-year-old boy was attacked by four men with a hammer in Beech Close, Walton.

The victim was taken to hospital to have stitches as a result of his injuries.

Officers in Elmbridge are appealing for witnesses to the three incidents that are believed to be linked.

PC Fran Swankie, from Elmbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We believe these incidents are targeted and at this stage there is nothing to suggest that there is any threat to the wider community.”

Surrey Police urges anybody with information to call 101 quoting 45160089747.