Thugs attacked a teenager and cut his face in a terrifying mugging next to a primary school in north Dublin last week.

Gardai are investigating after a gang of three men bashed the boy's face before trying to snatch his mobile phone in a quiet lane in Portmarnock village.

The brave 17-year-old managed to hold on to his phone but was struck in the head by the cowardly thugs who then ran off.

The boy was later taken to hospital for treatment for a head injury.

The savage attack took place on Monday last around teatime in the lane behind the local church that leads to Portmarnock Pitch and Putt club.

The alley, which is adjacent to the local primary school, is often used by children from two neighbouring housing estates and is the only access point for the town's Arch Club for people with special needs.

(Image: Google Maps)

A local priest in Portmarnock even took to the pulpit at Mass on Sunday to warn parishioners to stay vigilant when using the secluded lane.

The town's parish priest later told Dublin Live that gardai were investigating, adding that an officer came down to the church to review CCTV footage over the weekend.

(Image: Google Maps)

A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai in Malahide are investigating an assault that took place in a laneway near St Annes Church on the 14/01/19 at approximately 6pm.

"A 17-year-old male was injured and required Hospital treatment for a head injury when he was assaulted by three males who tried to take his phone.

"The investigation is ongoing."

Local Labour councillor Brian McDonagh, who lives in the adjoining estate, said he was "disturbed" at the news.

He said: "These events are unprecedented in my time in Portmarnock.

"I and my family use the lane where this occurred every day and at any time of day and night and I would never previously have imagined any such offences could happen there.

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"Young people are being deliberately targeted for phones and jackets by youths almost certainly coming from outside the area. I would ask people to report any suspicious activity to the Gardai."