Detectives are renewing their appeal for the public’s help to identify three males who attacked an autistic teenager in Westminster.

CCTV footage has been released of the moment the boy was chased and slashed across his neck, narrowly missing his carotid artery.

At about 19:20hrs on Wednesday, 4 June, the 16-year old victim was walking alone to a local youth centre. He is usually driven there but on this occasion he walked and was unaccompanied.

As he walked he was approached by three males. One of them asked the victim ‘What he was looking at?’ Feeling freighted, the teenager ran away from the suspects but was chased the short distance along Regency Street, close to the junction with Causton Street, where he was slashed across the neck with an unknown weapon.

He attended hospital for treatment and was discharged a short time later.

The suspects were described by the victim as black and/or Hispanic males. One was wearing a blue Addidas top and another was described as being approximately 16-years old.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Dave Bolton, Westminster, said: “The victim is a vulnerable young person and this was one of only a few times he has walked anywhere alone. For some unknown reason the three suspects have taken umbrage to him and attacked him with no provocation and no known reason. It is sheer luck that the weapon missed his artery and he was not more severely injured.

Six months into this investigation we have undertaken extensive enquiries to identify to suspects and have followed various leads, but they remain unidentified at this time. I would like to appeal to the public for their help to identify these males.

Please watch the CCTV and call Westminster CID on 07500 766464 or the 101.

I would like to reassure anyone who may be worried about contacting the police that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.

Alternatively to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.