Thugs target kids on their way to school

Police launch hunt for bike duo after robbery bids

Police are hunting two would- be thieves who targeted two youngsters as they made their way to school.

The yobs set upon the schoolkids in two separate attacks while the children were cycling to school on Wednesday morning.

The first of the two shocking incidents happened at around 8am on Wednesday when two males on bikes approached a 15-year-old schoolboy on the Ben Nevis Road cycle path in Paisley.

The pair stopped the youngster and demanded he hand over his bike, phone and watch.

The teen shouted out for help and the crooks made off when a dog walker responded to the boy’s calls for assistance.

A short time later the pair struck again on a cycle path nearby.

A 12-year-old girl was cycling to school when she was halted by the two thugs who insisted she hand over cash.

She refused and the pair raced away from the scene on their bikes towards Hurlet Road.

The first male suspect is described as around 18-yearsold and of stalky build. He was wearing a white and blue tracksuit and cycled a orange and silver bike.

The second suspect appeared to be around 12-years-old. He was of slim build and had long blonde hair. He was seen wearing a blue hoody and riding a black bicyle.

Due to the close timing and proximity of the two incidents, police are treating these incidents as linked.

Inspector Tracy Harkins, from Paisley’s community policing team, said: “The police were contacted at around 9.30am on Wednesday September 5 in response to two attempted robberies.

“If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area close to Ben Nevis Road between 8am and 9am on Wednesday, then I would urge you to get in touch with police.”

If you have any information, or know the identity of the two suspects, you should contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.