A group on motorbikes are said to have caused trouble at Ventura Park and then threatened a boy with a hammer in Silver Street in Tamworth town centre and stolen his bike
A gang on motorbikes surrounded a boy in Tamworth town centre and threatened him with a hammer before stealing his electric bike.
The incident took place at the corner of Silver Street and Church Street shortly before 2pm on Sunday (March 9).
Footage posted online shows a boy on a bike approached and surrounded by nine men on five motorbikes.
The boy cycles along the pavement in Silver Street and crosses at the traffic lights, when he’s boxed in.
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Staffordshire Police say one member of the group threatened the boy with a hammer, then took his grey e-bike.
The gang then made off down Lichfield Street past Tamworth Borough Council’s offices.
In a post online, the mum of the victim said: “My 16-year-old lad was by the Sequel barbers just before 2 [on Sunday] afternoon.
“He was boxed in by six mopeds with two lads on each bike, all in balaclavas and with a hammer.
“My son didn’t stand a chance they took his bike and police said last location was Lichfield. None of the mopeds had registration numbers either.
“As a mother, if this is one of your kids or someone you know, do the right thing and give the bike back.
“This is my lad’s pride and joy! And what they have done is beyond disgusting. In broad daylight as well!”
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Staffordshire Police confirmed they are investigating the incident. A spokesperson for the force said: “We are appealing for information after an e-bike was stolen by a group of people riding motorbikes in Tamworth over the weekend.
“Officers received a number of reports around 1.50pm on Sunday (March 9) involving a large group of men on motorbikes causing a disturbance in Ventura Park.
“The group can be seen on CCTV footage approaching a man who was riding a grey e-bike on the corner of Silver Street and Church Street.
“One member of the group reportedly showed the victim a hammer before taking his bike.”
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The statement continued: “The group rode off in the direction of Lichfield Street and were later seen on Masefield Drive, Leyfields, then later crossing the A5 bridge from Kettlebrook Road to Park Farm Road at about 6.25pm.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone who might have any information that can help with our investigation, including those with CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage of the area at the time.
“Call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting incident 359 of 9 March.
“To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are.”