11-year-old boy robbed for bike at knifepoint
AN 11-year-old boy was robbed for his bike at knifepoint in Runcorn.
Detectives launched a hunt for the culprit, who struck while his victim was cycling alongside his younger brother aged nine through the subway under the busway by Palacefields shops.
A Cheshire police spokeswoman said a teenage boy approached, demanded the bike and threatened him with a knife then made off with the bicycle.
The incident happened at around 10.50am on Friday.
The suspect is described as white, about 6ft tall and around 15 or 16 years old.
He had a spotty complexion and brown hair which was short at the sides and longer on top.
The robber was wearing a grey bubble jacket zipped up and black tracksuit pants.
He had a strong Liverpool accent.
DC Dan Williams said: “The boy wasn’t hurt but he was shaken by his ordeal and I’d urge anyone who saw the incident or has any information that may help me with my enquiries to contact me.”
Following the shocking incident, the Weekly News approached ward councillors for their reaction.
Cllr Dave Thompson, who also sits on Cheshire’s police and crime panel, criticised the Government’s record on cuts to police spending and officer numbers, but added that investment is in the works courtesy of Riverside housing.
Cllr Thompson, Halton Lea ward, added that councillors have been pressing for the subway to be blocked off.
He said: “A lack of police resources underlines the
● ability of public bodies to tackle knife crime.
“Over the last nine years Cheshire police have lost 135 police officers and seen cuts of over £60m.
“Halton Council and other public sector bodies that support community safety have also been devastated by cuts.
“Last year Labour MPs in Cheshire wrote to (then-Home Secretary) Sajid Javid pleading for an end to austerity and their efforts were ignored, now suddenly as Chancellor he would have us believe they want to see extra police.
“I view Boris Johnson’s sudden proposal for 20,000 extra officers with some suspicion that its an election trick.
“Cheshire is not going to suddenly see a lot of added officers recruited qualified and trained to help support the fight against knife crime.
“The Treasury has previously required forces to increase their contributions to police pensions from 2019-20, that’s costing Cheshire police £2.7m this year and £4.2m in 2020-21.
“At this stage its not clear sufficient funds are going to come our way from the Government to help with the backroom costs of getting more police on the streets, although any extra officers are welcome.
“Currently Riverside housing are planning proposals for major investment in the estate and local Councillors have been pushing to see this subway closed and a safer alternate overhead pathway provided.”
Anyone with information should contact DC Dan Williams on 101 or online quoting IML 554051. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 0555 111.
● Big-hearted residents have rallied to replace a
● bike stolen from the Runcorn youngster at knifepoint – and give his brother one too.
A fundraising appeal online at www.justgiving. com had already smashed its £365 target at time of writing, bringing hitting £415 by 11am on Tuesday.
Jamie Galloway, who set up the plea, said he wanted to buy each of the brothers a bike.
Writing on the online appeal, one anonymous donor said: “I am a pensioner from murdishaw I hope this helps those two boys get new bikes.”
Kaliegh Pegram said: “Hope you and the boys are ok as can be.”
Dee Hambleton said: “Disgusting what’s happened to them I really hope the scum is caught.”
To donate, visit www. justgiving.com and search for ‘We’re raising £365 to help get 2 young brothers, aged 11 & 9, a new bike each after they were robbed at knife point in Palacefields, Runcorn on 1st Nov 2019’.