POLICE have beefed up patrols after reports a 'terrified' boy was chased by masked youths armed with knives and an axe.

A 17-year-old youth said he was punched in the face and chased by a gang of youths wearing ski masks and armed with an axe and knives in Cripplegate Park, St John's, Worcester, on Friday.

West Mercia Police has stepped up patrols after the 'isolated incident' and stress no weapons have so far been found.

Worcester News: SHAKEN: Tyler who needed hospital treatment after he was punched in Cripplegate Park in Worcester. He then says he was chased my youths in ski mask armed with knives and an axe SHAKEN: Tyler who needed hospital treatment after he was punched in Cripplegate Park in Worcester. He then says he was chased my youths in ski mask armed with knives and an axe (Image: Supplied by Tyler's family)

Inspector Tanya Beckett said: "We are aware of ongoing issues with young people gathering in groups and are dealing with this particular report as an isolated incident.

"We can confirm that no one involved was found in possession of knives or weapons, but the public should be reassured that we will continue to target this area with enhanced patrols."

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The youth who was attacked fled into traffic in New Road, near Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

A mum, who stopped her car when the youths ran into the road, called West Mercia Police and has been hailed as a hero by the boy's family.

Tyler, the victim, had been with friends - two girls and a boy - at the time of the incident, describing 10 youths wearing balaclavas.

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West Mercia Police has confirmed a 17-year-old was arrested in the park on suspicion of assaulting a police officer after the incident at 8pm.

Tyler, whose surname we have agreed not to publish, had to attend Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester after suffering a facial injury in the attack. There were reports of a knifepoint robbery in Cripplegate Park on Saturday, November 5 last year.

West Mercia Police confirmed at the time a 26-year-old man had been threatened with a knife and that cash was taken at about 10.40pm.

Cllr Richard Udall, a Labour and Co-operative city and county councillor for St John's, said he was 'very concerned' about this 'very distressing' incident.

He added: "Thankfully, this kind of incident is very rare and should not put off or prevent people from using the park.

"However, the incident is symbolic of the growing problems in crime and disorder caused by the lack of resources for young people, especially since the county council made serious cuts and virtually abolished the County Youth Service.

"Unfortunately, we have a generation of children who have been let down by the system, but it's not too late to start to meet the challenge and make the changes.

"Crime and disorder and the fear of crime is a serious issue, many people are worried about going out at night and children are being kept away from play areas by parents because of the fear of crime."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "Worcestershire County Council can confirm there have been no reductions to County Council funded youth provision since 2015.  The Council funds 14 voluntary sector organisations to deliver regular youth clubs and positive activities across the county and a range of detached and targeted youth work."