Knife-point robbery by large group at Colliers Moss - what we know so far

The Star reported after the terrifying incident at Colliers Moss Common on Saturday afternoon.

What happened?

In a statement police said that at about 5.40pm on Saturday, August 13 we received a report of a robbery on Evergreen Way, Bold that happened at around 5.30pm.

It was established that a group of boys were approached by a group of around 15 older males some of whom were armed with knives.

In the statement police added: "Some of the boys were assaulted by the group and a number of them had various items stolen from them.

"One boy suffered a number of injuries including a minor injury caused by a knife.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment and was extremely shaken up by the incident.

"One of the males then assaulted one of the boys before they stole three of their bikes and threatened them with a knife."

What police have said

Detective Inspector Barbara Hebden said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation into an unprovoked attack on a group of boys that could have left them seriously injured.

"This attack has caused these young boys distress, it was very upsetting and completely unnecessary.  The use of knives is always a concern and we take matters of this nature very seriously.    

“If you were nearby or on Evergreen Way on Saturday and saw anything or anyone suspicious then please let us know. Similarly, if you have any CCTV or doorbell footage then please review it and come forward if you saw anything.

“This is a serious incident that has happened in our community but I’d like to reassure residents that our officers are continuing to carry out forensic examinations, CCTV, and witness enquiries in the area.

“Knife crime has no place whatsoever in our communities and we rely on members of the public coming forward with information about such incidents to ensure the safety of families and residents. If you know anything about this incident, please let us know as soon as possible.

"Your information could be vital in tracking down those responsible and preventing similar crimes our streets.”

Colliers Moss Common

How to contact police

If you have any information about this incident, you can DM the police's social media desk on Twitter Merseyside Police Contact Centre or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting incident reference 22000595194.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

READ > Amazon delivery driver assaulted in broad daylight as van stolen

What one mum has told the Star

Meanwhile, a mum has spoken of her shock after her son’s friends were subjected to the terrifying knifepoint robbery.

The woman’s teenage son had been out on their bikes with a group of around 10 friends at the nature reserve at Bold Heath.

“There were lots of families and children enjoying themselves,” said the mum, who asked to remain anonymous.

“My son was in the water and didn’t know what was going on.

“A group of girls said: ‘Your mates have all been jumped, they’ve all disappeared’, he was on his own.

“Thankfully he was not hurt and approached a family who helped him to get home to safety.”

She added: “My son spoke to his friends, one had been kicked in the face and punched and two of the lads had a knife pulled on them, one to the throat and one to the stomach.

“A few of the lads are really shaken by it, it was a totally unprovoked robbery.

“It is a beautiful area there, I didn’t know there were gangs there. They should have police monitoring that area, we thought it was a nice area.

“Our children should be able to enjoy the sunshine and being out on their bikes.”

She added: “I hope this can raise awareness and prevent it from happening again, they’re a very violent dangerous gang.

“I just hope they are held to justice and stop. I would be happy to give a £1,000 reward to anyone who comes forward with names that leads to a conviction.