A robber pushed a boy off his bike before stealing it in Runcorn.
Detectives have launched a search for the culprit, who struck at around 5pm yesterday on Heath Road.
Cheshire police said the boy, 12, was riding his lime green mountain bike near the junction with Boston Avenue when an unknown man approached from behind and pushed him to the ground, causing minor injuries.
The robber then rode off on the bicycle into Town Hall Park.
He was white, appeared to be his mid to late 20s and around 6ft 4ins tall.
Police said he was slim with brown eyes and wearing a black hooded zip-up top with the hood up, dark grey tracksuit bottoms, black trainers and a black face mask.
Enquiries are ongoing and detectives have urged anyone with any information or footage relating to the robbery to make contact.
The bike was found at a "well-known" derelict house on Irwell Lane soon after.
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Detective Constable Nathaniel Walkowiak, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “The young victim has understandably been left upset and shaken up by this frightening incident.
“Thankfully he has his bike back.
"We found it at a well-known abandoned house in Irwell lane, Runcorn, around 25 minutes after the robbery took place.
“I would like to reassure members of the community that the fact the stolen bike has been recovered in no way diminishes our determination to establish who committed the robbery and make him face the consequences of his actions.
“Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone who was in the area and saw anything that may aid our investigation to contact us at Runcorn Police Station.
“The same goes for anyone who thinks they may know who the offender is, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of him.”
Anyone with information or footage that may help the investigation is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 825523, provide details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
