Police are hunting a gang who subjected a teenager to a punishment-style beating as he made his way home from a night out.

The 17-year-old is still in hospital after suffering head injuries when he was chased and assaulted by a group wielding baseball bats in Shipley. The youth’s injuries are not life-threatening and he is in a stable condition.

Police were called to Oakdale Drive in Shipley by neighbours at about 3.45am on Sunday.

Officers found the 17-year-old, from Shipley, on the ground and believe he had been chased by four or five men who then beat him with the weapons.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The suspects were all men and were wearing hooded tops and dark clothing.

Acting Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “This was a cowardly attack by a group of armed men on a 17-year-old returning from a night out.

“This type of lawless behaviour is utterly unacceptable and resulted in the victim suffering head injuries, from which he is now recovering.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information about this assault, or may know those who are responsible, to contact us here at CID, or Crimestoppers.”

Airedale and North Bradford CID would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw people acting suspiciously at Oakdale Drive, Shipley on Sunday.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Neil Dalby, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.