A TEENAGER was attacked by thugs as he walked to school in broad daylight.

The 16-year-old was on his way to his final GCSE exam when he was approached by four youths, about his own age, near to the shops in Guisborough Road, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, shortly after noon on Friday.

The gang deliberately bumped into him, knocking him to the ground, causing bruising to his nose, cheek and ear.

PC Wendy Row, of South Bank police, said the attack appeared to be motiveless.

"This was a nasty attack on a young lad who was simply on his way to school," she said. "There doesn't appear to be any motive behind it, nothing was stolen and the assailants weren't known to the young man."

She said that the road was busy and at least one motorist slowed down during the attack.

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call police on (01642) 301926.