Boxing club gang prey on Philadelphia victims

DETECTIVES in Philadelphia are hunting a gang which puts on boxing gloves before launching attacks on pedestrians.

Police say they are stumped as to the gang's motivation for the attacks, which began on October 24, with the most recent beating on November 30.

Only in the most recent attack has the gang, which numbers between five and 15 youths wearing tracksuits and trainers, stolen anything from their victims.

A pair of Nike trainers, a mobile phone and a wallet was taken.

Randy Ruth was punched in his left ear by a youth wearing a boxing glove as he walked home. He said he was attacked by one teenager, and then suddenly, about 15 other teens many wearing boxing gloves unleashed their fury on his friend.