A 16-year-old boy from Lowestoft has been sentenced to two years in a young offender institution after admitting attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

The teenager was charged following an incident in the play park at the junction of Denmark Road and Rotterdam Road in Lowestoft, where a 19-year-old man was assaulted.

Police appealed for information regarding the incident, which happened around 10.40pm on February, 21.

The 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were sitting in the play park, when the 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, threatened them with a kitchen knife demanding the man hand over his mobile phone.

He also asked the 20-year-old woman for her phone but she ran away.

When the victim said he did not have a phone he was punched several times and the knife was held to his throat.

Following the assault the 16-year-old made off empty-handed.

After an appeal and enquiries the 16-year-old was arrested in connection with the incident on Monday, February 29, and was charged.

He was bailed to appear at Lowestoft Youth Court this afternoon, Wednesday March 16, where he admitted both offences and was jailed.

Detective Inspector, Simon Bridgland, said; 'This was a nasty and unprovoked attempted robbery. Fortunately officers received information that led to the 16-year-old and in interview he admitted his involvement.

'The sentence given reflects the seriousness of the incident and the fact that a weapon was used.'