Boy "Shaken" After Robbery In St Albans
21 July 2011, 09:33 | Updated: 21 July 2011, 09:40
Police appealing for information after a young boy was robbed in St Albans on Tuesday (July 12).
It happened between 3.50pm and 4.10pm on York Road in the city. An 11-year-old boy was walking home from school when he was approached by three older boys. One of them took him in a head lock whilst a second teenager, who was on a pedal cycle, took his PE kit from him.
The second offender watched and shouted words of encouragement. All three youths then made off into Clarence Park.
The victim received minor injuries and received treatment at St Albans City Hospital.
The stolen PE bag contained a pair of white Lonsdale trainers with blue soles and a blue school rugby top. The boy’s school blazer and bag were also damaged during the incident.
The first offender is described as black Afro-Carribean, aged 14 to 16, with a bald head, wearing a green Adidas bag and a school uniform – a blazer and black trousers.
The second offender, on the bike, is described as black Afro-Carribean, aged 14 to 16 and with a round build. He was wearing a school uniform and a purple Adidas bag.
The third offender is described as black Afro-Carribean, aged 14 to 16 years old, with thick dark hair and smoking a cigarette. He was wearing a grey and red Nike back pack and school uniform – a white short-sleeved shirt and black trousers.
DC Rebecca Primrose, investigating from the Local Crime Unit, said: “This was a nasty incident where three cowardly, older boys have targeted a young boy half their size. And all they have gained for their trouble is a PE bag containing sports kit.
“The incident has left the victim very shaken and I am keen to trace those responsible.”
She added: “I am particularly keen to speak to an Asian man who approached the victim immediately after the incident and acted as a Good Samaritan, checking if the boy was ok. He is described as aged around 25 with black spiky hair and wearing a black leather jacket.
“I am also keen to speak to a teenage boy who was seen standing on a footbridge shortly after the incident, watching the trains. He was wearing a school uniform as well, although from a different school, and looked about 11 to 13-years-old.
“These people could have information vital to my investigation, so I would like to encourage them to come forward, along with anyone else who may have information on this crime.”
Anyone with information should call investigating officer DC Primrose via the non-emergency number 101, citing crime reference number F1/11/2731. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers (an independent charity) anonymously on 0800 555111.