Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Shock as teenager robbed at knifepoint in Walpole Park
MONEY AND PHONE STOLEN FROM 14-YEAR-OLD
RESIDENTS in West London have been left in shock after a 14-year-old child was robbed at knifepoint in broad daylight.
The teenager had his phone and some money stolen as he walked through Walpole Park in Ealing on Monday September 19.
Residents reported the “frightening” incident to the Metropolitan Police who said that the boy was approached by two males at 2.50pm.
In a post on Nextdoor - a website for local residents to come together with their neighbours – Jas Singh, who lives in the area, warned fellow parents about what happened.
“Phone stolen in Walpole Park today at knifepoint in broad daylight. Please warn your children to be careful in parks, especially Walpole Park,” he wrote.
Comments on the post seem to imply that this is nothing new, with the area suffering from a spate of knife crimes over the past few years.
Resident David Backler said: “There was an ongoing problem with knife crime and phone theft in the Walpole Park area a few years back.
“The police eventually got a grip and arrests were made – they need to act decisively again.”
Residents fear that similar incident have been on the rise recently, as one reported that incidents of muggings are becoming more common again recently across Ealing.
Binny S said: “Yes it has been happening all over Ealing – two masked boys on bikes terrorising young people with knives demanding their phones.”
The Metropolitan Police said that they are investigating the reported robbery.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police are investigating a report of robbery that is alleged to have occurred in Walpole Park, in Ealing, at around 2.50pm on Monday, September 19.
“It was reported that a 14-year-old boy was approached by two males who threatened him with a knife and stole his phone and a quantity of cash. No injuries were reported.
“Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference number CAD 3685 of September 19.”
Walpole Park is a 28-acre Grade II municipal park, situated in Ealing.
Currently run by Ealing Council, it was initially the grounds of Pitzhanger Manor, the early 19thcentury country home of Sir John Soane.
It was acquired by Ealing Council in 1899 and opened to the public for the first time on May 1 1901.