Appeal for information after robberies

Officers are appealing for information after an increase in the number of reported robberies involving youths in Stoke-on-Trent, Burton and Newcastle recently.

On Thursday 2 June, a 16-year-old boy was threatened by a group of male youths at 8.30pm on Chell Street in Hanley before his bag and mobile phone were stolen.

The victim was left shaken but uninjured.

A day later, shortly before 5pm on Friday 3 June, another boy sustained head injuries in an assault near Rowton Street, Burton, before his bank card was stolen.

He was taken to hospital where his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or changing.

A short time later, a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from the Burton area, were each arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The 16-year-old has since been released under investigation while the 15-year-old was issued conditional police bail while inquiries continue.

A 17-year-old boy, also from the Burton area, was later arrested on suspicion of robbery and wounding with intent. He too was handed conditional police bail while officers continue to investigate.

On Saturday (4 June) at 11pm, a boy reported being threatened by another male youth who stole his bag near to Park Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The victim was left shaken but unhurt.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the areas at the time of the robberies and urge anyone who saw what happened during any of the thefts to get in touch.

Contact Staffordshire Police on Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 326 of 4 June.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.