Man pushes boy over and cycles off on his bike

Police are hunting a man who pushed a boy off his mountain bike and cycled off on it.

The assault and robbery happened by the river in York at around 8.30pm on Thursday 22 August.

A group of teenage boys were riding their bikes by the Ouse between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge when they passed a group of men and women, in their early twenties, sitting at the side of the river.

What police describe as “a verbal and physical altercation” took place between one man from the group and one of the boys on a bike, which resulted in the boy being pushed off his bike.

The man then went on to take the boy’s bike and ride off in the direction of Rawcliffe.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said:

• We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

  In particular, we are appealing for information about the man involved.
  

Description issued

Police have issued a description of the perpetrator. He is described as

• a white male
• in his early twenties
• with a local accent
• hair shaven short on the sides and left longer on the top.

He was wearing

• a blue hoodie
• grey tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side
• black trainers
• a silver watch
• and carrying a Nike branded ‘man bag.’

The boy’s bike (pictured) is described as a black Giant mountain bike, with a dropped seat and distinctive red pedals and orange stickers.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have been offered the bike, or who may of seen it in the area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.

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