AN elderly man fought back after three schoolboys who claimed they had a knife tried to rob him.

The teenagers, believed to be about 14, demanded money after they accosted the man in Watchet.

Police say they ran away after the man "was able to fight them off".

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to the incident in Maglands Road, Watchet, on Saturday, February 3, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

One of the boys was white, aged about 14, 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in tall and slim. He was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood pulled up. He ran off down Maglands Road.

The other two are both described as white, aged about 14, between 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in tall, of slim build. One had a scarf round his neck, and the other was wearing a dark coloured coat with the collar turned up. Both of them ran to Liddymore Road and turned right towards the Spar shop.

Anyone who thinks they may know the boys, witnessed the incident or has any information should call police on 101 and quote reference 5218025914.