A pair of teenage bullies, who have been callously robbing younger boys in a popular Bradford park, are being hunted by detectives.
Police are linking two attacks on young schoolboys, targeted for their bikes and mobile phones, in Peel Park, Undercliffe.
The first robbery took place as two boys, aged ten and 11, were sat on their mountain bikes watching a game of football at 7pm on September 13.
They were approached by two Asian youths, one brandishing a penknife, who forced them to hand over their phones and bikes and then cycled off on the stolen goods.
Two days later, three young pals were robbed of a mobile phone and a small amount of cash by the same suspects.
Iain-Joel Jefferson, Aaron Eastwood and Norman Airey, all 13, are now too scared to go back to the park.
Detective Inspector Noel Devine, of Bradford North CID, said the two robberies were being linked.
"These are just bullies, picking on younger kids, and we need people's help to catch them," he said.
"The victims were scared and badly shaken. Youngsters should be able to go and play in peace and quiet without incidents like this."
Det Insp Devine said police had put in extra patrols at the park.
He added: "I believe these suspects live locally and somebody must know who they are. If they do they should ring us, or Crimestoppers anonymously.
"This type of incident is rare, but people do need to be aware of their personal safety and who is around them."
The second robbery happened at 5.15pm on Friday, September 15, as the friends, who all live at Swain House, Bradford, walked through the park.
Iain-Joel told how they were approached by two older teenagers who asked them for a cigarette. The suspects made them put their hands above their heads and threatened to kill them if they did not do as they were told.
They were searched and Norman's black and silver Nokia 6260 mobile phone was stolen and £4 taken from Iain-Joel. The muggers walked off but brave Iain-Joel chased after them.
He said: "I asked them for the phone back but they refused and then they punched me hard in the leg and I fell to the floor. I was in a lot of pain but they just walked off.
"They were very threatening and aggressive and I feel frightened to go back to the park. I feel angry at what they did. They need to be caught and anyone who knows who they are should tell the police."
Norman's mother, Julie Beaumont, 33, said her son had only had the £250 phone for two weeks and was distraught about it being stolen.
She said: "He pleaded and begged with the muggers to give it back. He had waited months to get it.
"The lads were upset and scared and are too frightened to go to the park now. It's a real shame. They enjoyed going down there on their bikes to use the BMX track. They should feel able to go there.
"This sort of thing is getting out of control. You don't want to have to be looking over your shoulder and watching your bag every time you go for a walk in the park."
The suspects are Asian, aged between 14 and 16, with short black hair and about 5ft 4ins to 5ft 5ins tall. One has a thin moustache and was wearing a blue top and black tracksuit bottoms. The second had a small, stubby, spotty nose and was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a black jacket.
Anyone with information should contact Bradford North CID on (01274) 376259, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
e-mail: steve.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk
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