Boy ‘shaken’ by bike theft near memorial
AN investigation has been launched after a 12-year-old boy allegedly had his bike stolen at knifepoint.
The incident happened near to the Southport war memorial on Lord Street at around 4.20pm on Easter Sunday, leaving the victim “extremely shook up”.
According the the victim, he and two friends were approached by three teenagers when one asked to ‘have a go’ on his bike. When the boy refused, one of the group reportedly told another to ‘show him the blade’.
At this point, he decided to give up the bike but two of the group then began pulling the handlebars, causing him to fall off.
The victim’s mum said that he then immediately phone the police as they fled with his bike – a black Kona Precept 130 worth around £1,000 – and is warning others to beware a repeat incident.
She said: “As you can imagine my boy is extremely shook up and absolutely gutted about his bike. Please, please if you have children in the Southport area who love spending time on their bikes with their friends then please tell them to be extra vigilant.”
One of the group was described as ‘white with short mousy blonde hair’ and riding a very small full suspension white Carrera bicycle; another was described as ‘brown and wearing blue jeans, a black Nike hoodie and having a small black Afro’; and the other as ‘brown and wearing black nike bottoms, black jumper and a navy blue soft shell Moncler jacket with shiny black shoulder length curly hair’.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “I can confirm that the incident of a stolen bike was reported to us on April 1 at around 4.25pm.
‘‘The incident is reported to have happened on Lord Street, near Prezzo when the victim, a 12-year-old boy was app- roached by three boys, believed to be aged 13-15, who threatened the boy and then stole his bike.
“Witness statements were taken at the scene and CCTV has been analysed. The victim was very shaken by the incident and officers are working with him and his family to establish the circumstance of the incident and return his bike safely.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police by phoning 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.