A TEENAGER attacked an 11-year-old boy and stole his mountain bike.

Cleveland Police say the mugging could be linked to a similar incident a week before, when a nine year-old-boy was robbed of his bike.

In this latest episode, the 11-year-old was pushed off his bicycle when he refused to hand it over, sustaining minor injuries and shock.

As the thief made off on the bicycle across a field towards Low Lane, Middlesbrough, he was pursued by the victim's friends.

PC Mark Wilkinson of Cleveland Police, said: "This young lad has been left upset and shaken by the incident.''

The boy was playing on his bicycle in Trimdon Avenue, Acklam, near Baldoon Sands when the thief struck, on Monday evening.

The thief is described as white, aged 17 or 18, of thin build with short, straight, dark hair and has a pointed nose.

He was wearing a white or cream top at the time.

The bike was a dark blue Stealth Bandit mountain bike, which had the words "limited edition" on the frame.

A force spokeswoman said: "Police are keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents are linked.''