A gang of robbers is targeting vulnerable people walking along a Telford footpath at night.

The footpath robbers are swooping between 7pm and 8pm and taking items such as mobile phones and cash.

In the latest attack a 46-year-old man was approached by three men, attacked and robbed.

Police today said all the attacks happened on a path leading from Wrekin College to Whitchurch Drive.

Patrols have now been stepped up in the area and police are appealing for information.

In yesterday’s incident between 7pm and 7.30pm, the three men stopped the 46-year-old and asked him for a light. When he said he did not smoke one of the men hit him causing him to fall to his knees.

He was then kicked a number of times before the men demanded that he empty his pockets.

The victim handed the men his wallet – containing about £30 – and his Samsung Tocco mobile phone and the me fled on foot.

He suffered cuts, bruises and grazes to his body and head.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Paul Mathison, with the Specialist Operations Unit at Malinsgate Police Station, said today: “It’s a gang picking on a person who is vulnerable by the fact that they are on their own and outnumbered and in a location away from help and just bullying them.”

He said similar robberies had happened on December 10, 23 last year and January 14 when victims were being “almost bullied”.

He urged people to be conscious of their environment when they were walking on their own.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said: “The victim has so far been unable to give police a detailed description of his attackers but all three offenders are described as being male, aged between 15 and 20 and as being between 5ft 9ins and 6ft 2ins.

“Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about this robbery and are particularly keen to speak to a cyclist who rode past the incident at around the time the victim was handing the thieves his belongings.

“Anyone with information is asked to call police in Telford on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

By Lisa Rowley