Police are hunting seven men who robbed a 12-year-old girl at knifepoint.

The terrified youngster was also punched in the head by at he gang.

The attack happened last Thursday evening outside Tesco in Ingleby Barwick, on Teesside, when she was approached by the group of men, aged 17 to 19.

A smaller number were involved in the confrontation when a knife was held to her face and her mobile phone stolen. Three people have been arrested and released on bail by police investigating the attack.

Det Cons Mick Stokes of Cleveland Police said: "We particularly want to speak to one man, aged 18 to 19, who wore a thick gold chain around his neck."

He is 5ft 10ins, with medium-length brown hair.