20-strong gang robs schoolboy

10:16am Monday 20th March 2006

POLICE are hunting for a gang of youths who attacked and robbed a boy in Woodford Green while he was making his way home from school.

The lad was in Chigwell Road at about 4pm on Friday when the gang, numbering 20 or more, approached him and blocked his path.

Three of the group approached their victim before the first made an ominous threat.

He said: "Give me all your stuff as your life is worth more than that."

He then started to search him, taking his Oyster card and loose change.

A second teenager then went through his trouser and jacket pockets while a third pushed him in the chest.

The three assailants then rejoined the main group who all headed in the direction of West Hatch High School.

The first is described as around 16 years old, 5ft 8ins tall, black, wearing a black woolly hat, while the second was around 19 years old, 6ft 2ins tall, black, wearing a black woolly hat and bomber jacket.

The third was around 15 years old, 5ft 10ins tall, white, with short, dark brown hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Angelina Monlouis at Ilford police on 8345 2667.