Detectives appeal for information after robbery at Rimrose Valley Park, Litherland

UPDATE: We have arrested a 17-year-old boy from Liverpool on suspicion of robbery in connection with the below incident. He has been bailed and enquiries are ongoing.

Detectives are appealing for information following reports of a robbery where a teenage boy was attacked and his bike stolen at Rimrose Valley Country Park in Litherland, yesterday (Thursday 21 March).
 
Just before 3.30pm we received a report that a schoolboy was riding his electric cube mountain bike through Rimrose Valley Park when he was stopped by a group of youths described at 16-17 years of age, one who was riding a small white and green scrambler bike and the another two on a black electric bike. The victim was threatened with a knife and assaulted, following which the youths stole his electric bike. The victim suffered injuries to his face and body. 
 
An investigation is underway and officers have released a picture of the stolen electric bike after carrying out initial CCTV enquiries in the area but are appealing for any further CCTV or dashcam footage. 
 
Detective Inspector Samantha Davies said: “This was a violent and terrifying attack on a teenage boy who was assaulted and left fearing for his own safety after his bike was stolen.
 
“The incident happened in one of our city’s parks during a busy time of the day where people who were leaving schools in the area may have seen the attack.
 
“If you were near this area of the park during yesterday afternoon and saw the incident or have recently seen the electric bike pictured please contact police immediately so we can find those responsible. 
 
“Our officers will immediately respond to any incidents involving knife crime and are committed in removing anyone who stores, carries and uses weapons through proactive use of stop and search powers, open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners. Our local officers are also providing an increased police presence in the area.

“We will continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, who carry weapons or are involved in gangs, but we also need your support.

”Information from our community is vital if we are to stop such violent crimes that causes fear in our parks where families and children visit.
  
“If you have any further information about this incident, please contact our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook using reference 24000274768.”
 
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org).