Police appeal after robbery at Yeadon Tarn bike track

West Yorkshire Police is investigating reports of a robbery on Cemetery Road, in Yeadon on Tuesday at 3pm.

A spokesperson for the force said: "A male approached a youth and pushed him off his bike before stealing the bike."

They added: "Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and are working to reassure the community."

The incident provoked a response on social media and a post on a Facebook community page said suspects at the Yeadon Tarn bike track, which is just off Cemetery Road, took a "poor kid's bike" and "left the rest of the kids traumatised". 

The bike track at Yeadon Tarn, off Cemetery Road (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

One commenter, who wished to remain anonymous, said his son was with his friends when one of them was "kicked off his bike and the bike stolen".

He claimed the perpetrators were two boys aged between 16 and 17.

The father told the Telegraph & Argus that the two teenagers appeared and "were firing abuse at them" before the attack.

They then stole the bike and ran through the track gate that leads to the car park, according to the man.

The matter was reported to police and he said: "They headed down past the tarn past the sailing club towards Yeadon town."

Yeadon Tarn (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

When speaking to the T&A the father said he was "very angry" about what had gone on.

He added: "This location needs looking at.

"It’s a BMX track - great for the kids but it’s hidden by trees, surrounded by a fence and two open gates.

"The kids couldn’t get out without passing these scumbags."

Other commenters expressed their disgust and sadness at the attack, with many alluding to this becoming a growing problem in the area.

In June, terrified parents rushed to collect their children from the bike track as two youths turned up with a knife.

Panic set in on social media as multiple posts were made about young children being “chased” around Yeadon Tarn by “lads on quads and mopeds with balaclavas”, wielding weapons.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed a day later, on June 25, an investigation had begun and officers were looking for two suspects.

A spokesperson for the force said that day: "A group of children on bikes had been approached by two youths wearing balaclavas on a red and black dirt bike who produced a knife and made demands for their bikes.

"The children managed to escape without any property being stolen and the offenders rode off."

Police have launched an appeal for information in relation to the latest attack.

Anyone who can help, or who witnessed anything, should contact the force on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13240426914.

Full statement from West Yorkshire Police on latest incident

"Police are investigating reports of a robbery on Cemetery Road Yeadon on 6 August at around 3pm.  

"A male approached a youth and pushed him off his bike before stealing the bike. 

"Enquiries remain ongoing by Leeds CID 

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or use the Live Chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat quoting crime reference 13240426914.

"Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and are working to reassure the community."