Did you witness robbery in Horton Kirby?

Boy snatched 13-year-old's BMX bike in country footpath

Witnesses to an incident in which a 13-year-old boy’s bike was stolen are being asked to come forward.

Two boys, both 13 and from Tunbridge Wells, were heading from South Darenth to Horton Kirby on foot and by bike on 20 February when they were approached by three boys who had followed them from a shop in South Darenth.

One of the trio, aged 17 or 18, asked to have a go on the boy’s bike but was refused. On a footpath off Horton Road, he then grabbed the handlebars and forced the victim off his bike, before riding it away.

The incident happened between 4:15pm and 4:45pm on 20 February.

The offender is described as white with a local accent, and between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 10ins. He was medium built, with short blonde hair and blue eyes and was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a top.

One of his two friends was aged about 10, the victim said.

Description of the stolen bike

The missing bike is described as a Mongoose Subject 2012 BMX. It has a black frame, silver handlebars with purple grips and a purple rear tyre. It also has a silver three-piece crank, black pedals and black stunt pegs.

PC Ben Clatworthy said: “The victim was not injured in the incident but the bike is worth £300. We are hopeful that someone in the local area knows who the offender or his associates is and we urge them to contact police.”

Anyone who can assist with the investigation can call 101, quoting crime number YY/3555/13 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Posted on: 25 February 2013