Police appeal after teenage gang attempt to rob boy, 15, in Bishop's Stortford

A 15-year-old boy was attacked when a group of masked youths tried to rob him in Bishop's Stortford.

The victim was cycling near the shops in Havers Lane on Sunday December 22 at around 3.45pm when three older teenagers called out to him. He ignored them and carried on riding. The youths, two on foot and one on a bicycle, followed him so he stopped.

The group demanded money from him and tried to take his bag. He managed to hold on to it, but was punched in the mouth and suffered a cut and swelling. The group left empty-handed.

The suspects are described as aged 16 to 18, around 5ft 11in tall and were wearing balaclavas. One wore a black Nike tracksuit and another a grey, Puffa-style Nike jacket.

Detective Constable Shaun Turner, from the East Herts local crime unit, said: “Thankfully nothing was taken from the victim, but he has been left shocked by what happened.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to please come forward. I would also like to hear from anyone who thinks they may have seen the suspects in the area around the time stated or who may know their identities.”

Anyone with information is asked to email shaun.turner@herts.pnn.police.uk. You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the force communications room via an online webchat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 41/114867/19.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via its untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police remind residents to call 999 immediately if a crime is in progress or someone’s life is in danger.