A teenage boy was attacked by a gang of youths on his way home from school.

The 16-year-old was walking along Station Road in Didcot at around 3pm on Friday, March 14 when he was approached by five youths and one of them punched him in the face, police said today.

Dc Rachel Carter, investigating the assault, said: "This was an unprovoked attack and it resulted in the victim sustaining a broken cheekbone and other injuries to his face which required nine stitches.

"He is still undergoing treatment and could need further surgery on his face. At the time the attack happened the area was busy with shoppers and pupils walking home from school and I am confident that someone will have witnessed the attack."

The man who punched the teenager is described as a white, about 5ft 10ins, quite stocky and 19 or 20 years old.

He was clean shaven with a pale complexion and had short ginger hair.

At the time he was wearing a white t-shirt and baggy pale coloured jeans and he was also wearing a thick silver chain.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.