Boy, 12, threatened at knifepoint for bike during family trip to the fair

A 12-year-old boy was threatened at knifepoint in broad daylight while heading to a funfair with his family in Tameside. The boy was riding a bike when he was attacked by a man who grabbed his handlebars before threatening him with a blade, in what police are treating as an attempted robbery.

But the attacker fled after the boy’s mother and a member of the public bravely intervened. The shocking incident occurred on a canal towpath just off Oldham Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, at about 1.30pm on April 13.

The boy was riding his bike while his sister and cousin were on horseback, as they headed to a funfair. No arrests have been made. Police have now issued an e-fit of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack.

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A description of the attacker has also been released. He has been described as being a white male, aged 18 or 19, of fair complexion and skinny build. He wore an all-grey tracksuit, black trainers, black gloves and a cap.

Police Sergeant David Lunt, of GMP Tameside district’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “The boy has ridden ahead of this mum to catch up with his sister when a male has grabbed hold of his handlebars before threatening him with a knife. The victim’s mother and another member of the public have intervened and the male has then made off, without the bike, in the direction of Daisy Nook.

“This was a frightening incident for the young boy, who was simply out riding his bike with his family, heading in the direction of the Daisy Nook family funfair. Enquiries are on-going and no arrests have been made, but any information the public may have in relation to the incident, or the identity of the male in the e-fit, could help us with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to email 16684@gmp.police.uk or call Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log 1494-13/04/2022, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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