A teenager faced a terrifying ordeal as he was beaten with a baseball bat by two balaclava-clad robbers as he walked home alone.

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Road, Beccles.Picture: Nick ButcherBanham Road, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

The attack, which took place in Banham Road, Beccles, has prompted residents and councillors to call for an increased police presence at night.

The 17-year-old victim was walking home at about 10.30pm on Thursday, January 11, when a black Peugeot 206 pulled in front of him with three people inside.

Two men wearing balaclavas jumped out of the car, one carrying a baseball bat, and struck the victim on the lower left leg.

He was again hit by the bat, this time a blow to the head, which left a small cut and swelling.

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Road, Beccles.Picture: Nick ButcherBanham Road, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

A bag containing a fluorescent jacket, a mobile phone and a 50 gram pouch of amber leaf tobacco were stolen.

Suffolk county councillor Elfrede Brambly-Crawshaw, who represents the Beccles division and lives in the town, believes the attack signals the need for an increased police presence.

She said: “I’m shocked something like that could happen in Beccles and my sympathy goes to the young man and his family.

“It is important Beccles increases its out-of-hours police presence to ensure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”

Banham Road resident Fiona Carter said she was shocked by the incident, but said there had been incidents in the area in the past, some relating to drugs.

Oliver and Emma Jeckells, who have lived on the street for 10 years, said they have noticed an increase in crime.

Mrs Jeckells said: “It makes you feel vulnerable - unfortunately there are lots of incidents and over time you tend to ignore the noise.”

Mr Jeckells said: “It’s rare to see a police officer unless it’s in response to an incident.

“We are covered by Lowestoft police now and it takes so long for them to get here – its really concerning.”

The men who carried out the attack are described as being over 6ft tall and stocky.

Anyone with information or who saw any suspicious activity should contact Lowestoft CID on 101 quoting crime reference 37/2210/18 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.