A mother today warned children and parents to be on their guard after her 12-year-old son was left shaken when he had his bike stolen at knife point.

Jackie Jolly was shocked when her son Ryan was held up near Chellow Reservoir in Haworth Road.

Ryan and a friend were approached by two Asian youths as they rode their bikes. The youths asked if they could have a ride on the bikes and when Ryan and his friend refused, they produced knives and threatened them.

Ryan was riding a £160 black and silver Chicago Thundershock bike, which he had only just been given for his birthday.

Mrs Jolly said: "I want people to be careful. This happened just after he finished school. You don't expect things like this to happen so early. He is really shaken up after what happened. I just want to tell other children to be careful - you never expect these things to happen to your own children."

A spokesman at Toller Lane Police Station said: "The boy was riding his bike with two friends in the area when he was approached by two males. When he refused to give them his bike they threatened him with what appeared to be a knife. We have carried out an area search and have offered the family our support at what must be a distressing time."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Bradford Police on (01274) 376359.