A 15-year-old boy was threatened with a knife while walking home from school by a group of teenagers who wanted his mobile phone.
The boy was surrounded by four teenagers while walking through Queens Park on Lingholme Road in St Helens.
He was then surrounded by a group of teenagers, who demanded he hand over his mobile phone.
When he refused, one of the teens pulled out a knife and threatened him with it.
The group then saw other people in the park and walked away empty handed.
One of the offenders is described as white, 16 years old, 5ft 10in tall and of slim build with mousy blonde hair, and wore a grey hat and a full tracksuit. The other offenders are believed to be younger and one spoke with an Irish accent.
The incident happened at around 3.15pm on Wednesday.
Detectives believe that the same group may have been involved in an incident shortly beforehand at Costa Coffee at High Point in which a woman’s handbag was stolen and a man who tried to help was threatened.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Sumner said: “For a young teenager to be threatened at knifepoint in broad daylight has understandably left him shaken and upset, and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to find those responsible for both of these alarming incidents, which we are treating as potentially linked.
“We understand the concern that these incidents will cause to our local communities, and patrols will be stepped up in the area for reassurance and to gather information.
“If you were in the park or nearby and saw either of these incidents or the youths making off, please get in touch and we will identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Likewise, any home CCTV or dashcam which may have captured their movements, or anything suspicious on Wednesday may be vital.
“There is no place in our communities for threatening behaviour and the use of weapons, so help us keep the green spaces of St Helens for what they are intended: places to walk, play, exercise and enjoy.”
Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 19100291473 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.
