A MAN who assaulted a teenager and then chased him and three of his friends through Worcester is being hunted by police.

The man stopped the boy and his friends in Chapel Walk at 5.45pm on Saturday and asked for help with his jacket as the sleeves were inside-out after he had slept on it.

Following a conversation between the boy and the man, who it is believed was under the influence of drink and drugs, the man grabbed the teenager.

The two boys and two girls ran off along Deansway and through the CrownGate shopping area pursued by the man. He was last seen in Angel Place at 6pm when the group split up.

He is described as white, aged about 35, with brown hair and wearing jeans, a navy blue polo shirt and a white jacket with an eagle motif on the back.

A Worcester police spokesman said: "Fortunately, no-one was injured in this incident, but it is clear that the man meant the youngsters some harm and we are eager to identify and apprehend him as quickly as possible."

Anyone who saw the initial incident, the chase or who can identify the man is asked to call police on 08457 444 888, quoting 622S/140407.

Information can also be given anonymously to crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.