A manhunt has been launched for a masked thief who stole a bike from a Scots child as he walked down the street.
The 12-year-old boy was walking with his bicycle at around 9.10pm on Tuesday night Jerviston Street, near Holytown Train Station in Motherwell.
A man, wearing a black face mask, came up from behind him and grabbed the bike before riding off with it in the direction of the Bing area on Loanhead Road.
Cops have appealed for information and issued a description of the suspect.
He is said to be in his mid-20s and was wearing light blue trousers, a light grey hoodie with the hood up and white, red and black trainers.
The bike that was stolen was a blue Carrera mountain bike.
Detective Constable Ben Simpson, of Coatbridge CID, said officers were keen to speak to a driver who witnessed the struggle.
He said: "Thankfully the boy was not injured but this was a frightening experience for him.
"I'm appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a man matching this description riding the bike to come forward.
"In particular, there was a man driving a silver or green Ford Fiesta who witnessed the struggle and followed the suspect before returning to check on the boy.
"I'm keen to speak to this man to find out if he has any further information which may be able to assist our investigation."
Those with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 3656 of 13 October, or if they wish to remain anonymous, can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. See less
