ARMED THUG ROBS BOYS
Masked man with hammer threatened youngsters
Police say two schoolboys suffered a “terrifying experience” when they were robbed and assaulted by a masked man with a hammer.
A 12-year-old was robbed of his iPhone and his 13-yearold friend was kicked by the balaclava-clad man during the
shocking incident at a West Mains underpass.
The boys were walking home from school when they were threatened by the suspect who was holding a hammer.
Additional police patrols have been deployed in the area.
A hammer-wielding masked thug who robbed a 12-year-old schoolboy in an East Kilbride underpass is being hunted by police.
The terrified youngster was walking home from school at St Lawrence Park near to Falkland Drive in West Mains with a friend at around 4.15pm on Thursday when he was approached by the balaclava-clad suspect.
The man, who had a hammer in his hand, kicked the boy’s 13-yearold friend then threatened the 12-year-old boy to hand over his iPhone.
The suspect then ran off towards St Lawrence Park in possession of the stolen mobile.
He is described as white, between 16 and 19 years of age and is 5ft 5in to 5ft 7in tall. He was wearing a grey Adidas hooded top, dark jogging bottoms and had a balaclava-style item covering his face.
The boys were not injured during the incident.
Additional patrols have been deployed in a bid to reassure the public.
Constable Louise Bern, of the community investigations unit at Rutherglen Police Office, said: “Thankfully neither of the boys, who were on their way home from school, were injured but it was terrifying for them to experience.
“Although the man did not brandish the hammer at the boys, for him even to be carrying it and to threaten the children is shocking.
“St Lawrence Park and Falkland Drive are residential and officers have been in the area carrying out door to door enquiries as well as checking CCTV.
“However, we would still like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident.
“It’s possible that someone may have seen the suspect hanging about the area or running off.
“If you did, or if you have any information that will assist our enquiry, then please contact the Community Investigation Unit at Rutherglen Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 2494/27. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted in confidence on 0800 555 111.
“Should you have any concerns or information, then please speak to those officers as well.”
It’s possible that someone may have seen the suspect hanging about the area or running off