Three youths attack schoolboy in subway to steal his bike and phone

ATTACKED . . . Harrison Dale

A SCHOOLBOY was forced to run for safety after being "jumped" and punched in the face under a Chadderton subway.

The 12-year-old had been on his way to buy sweets from a corner shop when he was "attacked by three youths" in the middle of the afternoon.

Harrison Dale had set off on his bike from his home in Burnley Lane and was using the subway between Parkgate and Broadway to get to Best-One newsagents.

But just as he reached the bottom of the underpass the group pulled him from his bike and punched him.

Mum Barbara Dale said: "The three boys came out of nowhere. They knocked him to the ground and punched him in the face, leaving him with a black eye.

"One stole his bike while another stood watching, and the third demanded and then grabbed his phone.

"They ran one way while he ran the other way to Best-One. A kind man who was coming out of the shop brought him home.

"He was in an awful state. He was so upset. He has been frightened to go out since. He is 12 and these boys were around 16.

"I'm angry at what has happened. This is happening far too often and could have been far worse if he hadn't complied with their demands."

North Chadderton School pupil Harrison lives just two minutes away from the subway and uses it regularly to get to and from school.

Aware

Barbara said he had gone out on his bike ­- a lime green X Rated Flair BMX 20 ­- on Saturday afternoon to buy some sweets.

The thieves, who also stole Harrison's white iPhone 5 with its Manchester City phone case, were described as wearing dark-coloured clothing and had their hoods up.

Barbara said: "We want people to be aware that this is going on, especially as it is the holidays."

The incident was reported to Greater Manchester Police on Saturday after the incident at around 3pm.

A GMP spokeswoman said: "We were called just before 3.30pm on Saturday to reports of a robbery and an assault on the subway under Broadway. Enquiries are still ongoing. Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."