POLICE have released CCTV images and are urgently appealing for help to catch three thugs who badly injured a teenager in an unprovoked attack.

After a savage onslaught by a group of youths, the teenager was left lying on the ground with a serious head injury. He has been receiving treatment ever since.

The attack happened in May, but police have so far met a block in finding the wanted individuals, and are hoping the public can help provide vital information after seeing the CCTV stills.

At 11.40pm on Friday, May 8, police were called to a disturbance caused by a group of youths in High Street, Harefield, near Harefield Pharmacy.

They found a boy of 16 on the ground with an injury to his forehead.

He had been walking with a friend down Breakspear Road North towards the high street when it is thought a group of teenage boys and a girl crossed the road to approach them.

Both friends were attacked, although the other only received minor injuries.

Detective Constable Emma Thompson, the investigating officer, said: "We are appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have witnessed the attack or can offer information about any possible offenders.

"These were innocent victims of an unprovoked assault, and there were many people in the area at the time.

"I appeal to anyone who can assist us with our investigation to contact us."

The CCTV images show three teenagers, all white and aged between 16 and 19, who the police would like to speak to.

The girl is not believed to have been involved in the attack.

The first teen is described as slim, wearing a black vest top and dark trousers and shoes, and carrying a black jacket.

The second is of a more stocky build, and was wearing a black jacket with a white logo on the left side of the chest, blue jeans and trainers.

The third suspect is slim, wore a light cream hooded jacket with blue jeans and white trainers.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the attack but no charges have yet been brought, although one youth aged 17 has been bailed to return.

* Call DC Thompson at Uxbridge CID on 020 8246 1447 if you can help with the investigation.