Bicycle snatch ordeal of boy, 6
A teenager pushed a 12-yearold boy from his bike and made off with it in a shocking robbery at a Sunderland park.
Northumbria Police officers were called to Barnes Park shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, June 30, after a 12-year-old boy had been pushed off his bike by an older male, believed to be in his teens.
The suspect then picked up the bike and rode off on it.
The victim was uninjured but left shaken by the incident.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, where a number of people were thought to have been in the vicinity.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on police bail.
Inquiries are ongoing, and police are now appealing with the public to help reunite the distinctive blue bicycle with its rightful owner.
Detective Constable Kelly Scott, of Northumbria Police, said in a statement: “This was a traumatic incident for the young victim who was pushed off his bicycle and then had to watch as the offender rode away with his prized possession.
“This is absolutely appalling behaviour and we are carrying out a range of inquiries to ensure those responsible are dealt with appropriately.
“A number of people were in the park at the time of the offence, and we believe someone must know where this bicycle now is.
“I’m appealing to those people to do the right thing, come forward, and tell us where it is.
“We want to get this bicycle back to the victim and we need your information in order to make that happen.
“If you have the bike, please return it to your nearest police station as soon as possible.
“People can also come forward and pass on information anonymously – please follow your conscience and get in touch.”
Anyone with information about the bike’s whereabouts is asked to contact police by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force website or by calling 101 quoting reference 988 300620. Alternatively, you can email 8716@northumbria.pnn.police.uk