A GANG of youths punched, kicked and robbed two paperboys as they delivered the Chronicle Weekend in Chadderton on Sunday afternoon.
The 13-year-old brothers were approached from behind by the 12-strong gang close to the Falcon Business Centre in Victoria Street at 5pm.One of the victims was forced against a wall and held by the throat while being kicked and punched. His brother was restrained while the gang searched his pockets and stole his wallet and mobile phone.
Neighbouring residents heard the commotion and called the police when they came outside and saw the attack taking place.The victims’ mother said the boys have been left extremely shaken and terrified at the thought of returning to their delivery route this weekend.She added: “My husband and I have tried to reassure them and told them that they can’t let these thugs put them off doing a job they love doing.“We will go with them for the next few weeks while they build their confidence up but I think it will be a long time before they feel secure.
“You really don’t expect your children to be attacked on a busy street in broad daylight and I’m really annoyed that this gang have done this to my sons when they were just going about their job and doing nobody any harm.“I’m very grateful to the man who came out of his house and called the police as the situation could have been a lot worse.“My sons wanted to call the police themselves and report the crime so I’m very proud of how mature and brave they have been.“We have spoken about what they should do in this situation in the past and we told them to just hand over their property if they were threatened because it’s just not worth getting attacked for a mobile phone and money which can be replaced.
“When one of my sons phoned me to tell me what had happened I was terrified about what state I would find them in — it’s every parents worst nightmare.“Luckily they didn’t need hospital treatment but this gang have really hurt them and taken away their self confidence.”The only description available so far is that the gang was made up of Asian teenagers.Police are currently investigating the incident.
Anyone with any information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.
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