Bike stolen from 14 year old boy on Brows Lane by gang armed with hammer

Merseyside Police can confirm detectives are investigating a robbery, reported to police on Wednesday afternoon (20 July) at around 4pm. A 14-year-old boy was riding his bike along Brows Lane, Formby when he was approached by three youths. One of the youths demanded the victim hand over his bike, before a second threatened him with a hammer and punched him in the face. The youths then left the scene with the bike. Thankfully the victim was not seriously injured but left bruised and shaken by his ordeal.

The offenders are thought to have made to a nearby train station and officers are examining CCTV from the station and nearby area. Officers have also recovered another bike from the scene, thought to have been left by the offenders, which will be forensically examined.

The boy's mother said; "These lads also stopped my son by cycling out into the middle of the road so he literally cycled into them and had no choice but to stop... Had it far too well planned out, even down to the time of the train!"

The stolen bike is described as a green, black and white Scott Aspect 740 and officers would urge anyone who has seen it in the area to get in contact. Detectives would urge anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to call 0151 777 3055 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.