A TEENAGE boy was attacked with a bat by thieves who stole his wallet and phone.

The 15-year-old victim got off a train at James Cook Station in Middlesbrough at about 9.20pm on Saturday, April 16, along with a 15-year-old girl, and went to look for a bus stop with a man aged about 20 to 30.

All three had boarded the wrong train.

The two 15-year-olds asked two men, aged about 18 or 19, for directions on the bridge at the station.

But instead of giving directions, the pair chased all three victims into the Park End Estate, where they separated, and the two men began to attack the 15-year-old boy with the bat.

A man, described as being in his late 30s and wearing a vest, confronted the two attackers, who ran off. But they returned shortly afterwards and attacked the 15-year-old again before stealing his wallet and phone.

The boy found his way to a nearby house, with the girl, and a woman drove them to a police station.

The boy suffered bruising and soreness to his back, but did not need hospital treatment.

Police said they would like to speak to the man who walked with the two 15-year-olds to find the bus stop, and the two members of public who helped the victims, as they may be able to help with inquiries.

  • Another robbery took place on Sunday, April 17 at an ice cream van on Eppling Lane in Park End, Middlesbrough at about 1.30pm, where cash and goods were taken from the van. No-one was injured.
  • An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in relation to the ice cream van incident and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
  • Anyone who may have information regarding either incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Louise Sproson on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.