Teenager chased and robbed at knifepoint by gang of 30 youths

A TEENAGE boy was punched and threatened at knifepoint after being chased and cornered by a gang of around 30 youths who stole his phone, coat and two silver chains.

The violent mugging happened in the Somerford area of Christchurch shortly after 8.30pm on Saturday. Detectives are urging residents and motorists to come forward if they captured it on CCTV or dash cam.

The group approached the 15-year-old victim in Edward Road as he was walking with friends, said police.

After the gang surrounded him, his phone was taken from his pocket and they demanded his PIN number. As he tried to run away, some of them snatched two silver chains from around his neck.

The victim fled to Amethyst Road where the offenders caught up with him. He was punched several times and threatened with a knife before eventually giving up his PIN and coat. The gang made off along Coleridge Green towards Somerford Road.

DC Laura Smith, of Dorset Police's Eastern CID, said: “This must have been a frightening ordeal for the victim, who was subjected to an unprovoked attack by a number of older teenagers, one of whom was reported to be in possession of a knife.

“We are determined to identify those involved in this incident and are carrying out a number of enquiries. I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the robbery or who has any information to assist our investigation to please contact us.

“I would urge residents in the area to check their home CCTV for anything relevant and would also like to hear from anyone who was driving in the vicinity and may have captured the incident on dash cam.”

The main offender was described as black, around 19 years old, approximately 6ft tall, and medium and athletic build. He was wearing a multi-coloured beanie hat and a dark-coloured top as well as dark-coloured trousers and shoes.

One of the other group members was described as white, aged around 16 or 17, approximately 6ft 1in tall, and wearing a blue beanie hat and a navy blue jacket.

Insp. Richard Bader, of Christchurch police, sought to reassure the community following the large-scale attack.

He said: “I understand that residents in the area will be concerned by this kind of violence on their streets and would like to reassure members of the community that they may notice an increased police presence in the area and local officers can be approached with any concerns.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 55200016628, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.