A GANG of weapon-wielding teenagers threatened a motorcyclist with a blade before trying to rip off his helmet in broad daylight, it has emerged.

Police officers rushed to the scene after the victim, who has not yet come forward and was sitting on a red and white motorbike, was attacked.

Four thugs approached him, shortly after 6pm, when one of the gang suddenly drew a blade as another tried to remove the victim's helmet.

Detectives investigating the case said the motorcyclist managed to break free and flee the scene while the boys ran off on foot.

Officers scoured the area of clues and later found a knife and a quantity of a class C drug.

A police spokesman said: "A group of four boys approached the victim, an unknown man, who was sitting on a red and white motorcycle which was parked on the road.

"One of the offenders threatened the victim with a knife. A second offender tried to remove the motorcyclists helmet.

"Following an altercation, the victim rode away on the motorcycle and the offenders ran away in the direction of the town centre."

The attackers were all believed to have been in their late teens.

One was described as mix race and approximately 5ft 10ins tall. He was dressed in grey and carried a shoulder bag.

The second suspect was white, around 5ft 8ins tall with brown hair. He was topless at the time of the attack.

Detectives believe the third offender was also 5ft 8ins tall and was carrying a glass bottle.

The fourth and final attacker was the same height.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the attack, which happened in Craven Road, Newbury. on July 14.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of carrying a blade and suspicion of possessing cannabis.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and carrying drugs.

Police constable Tara Hamilton urged the victim to come forward to assist with the investigation.

She added: "I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw or heard anything unusual to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to speak to the victim so that we can check on his welfare following this incident."