A BOY watching videos on his phone in a Woodley park was the victim of an attempted robbery.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the incident, which took place at 1.20pm on Tuesday, August 10.
The 12-year-old was sitting on the hill in Woodford Park when a man approached him asking to borrow his phone.
When the boy refused, he grabbed the phone, although the boy was able to get it back.
Someone walking through the park approached them and the offender ran away.
The boy was not injured.
Shortly afterwards, the victim who was with his grandfather, saw the offender in Woodley town centre with another man.
His grandfather went to approach them, with the offender cycling off but the man he was with stayed and spoke to them – he is being treated as a witness.
The offender is described as mixed race, 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. He had short black hair and was wearing a grey Puma tracksuit top and bottoms.
Investigating officer, PC Stephen Johnson, of Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this incident, whereby a 12-year-old boy was approached by this offender who then tried to take his phone from him. Thankfully, he was not hurt.
“The victim and his grandfather then saw the offender later on the same day, but as his grandfather approached him he cycled away, in the direction of Iceland Foods store.
“I would ask that anyone who saw this incident take place, or who perhaps saw the offender on his bicycle in Woodley town centre shortly after the incident at 1.20pm to please get in touch with us.
“Anyone with information is asked to report online or call 101, quoting 43210357322. You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
