A YOUNGSTER fought off a gang of youths who tried to steal his bike as he made his way home.

The 12-year-old had been to Preston Park in Eaglescliffe and was returning to Ingleby Barwick along Queen Elizabeth Way with his friends last Thursday at 4pm, when he saw a gang of youths near an electricity sub-station.

One of them, a boy aged about 15 or 16 and 6ft tall with cropped dark hair, approached him and demanded his bike.

When the boy refused the older boy became aggressive and punched him around the head.

The youngster fought back and managed to keep hold of his bike until the group ran off when a passer-by approached.

PC Kevin Stockley, from Ingleby Barwick police, said: "This was a frightening experience for the youngster and we will not tolerate threatening or bullying behaviour by older youths towards children.

"Unfortunately, we have already had an incident like this recently, perhaps because there are more children out and about during the school holidays.

"We would urge parents to warn their children a small minority of youths may use threats or violence to take bikes."

The older teenager was wearing a blue NYC cap, white Nike top, blue jacket and blue bottoms. Anyone with any information is asked to contact (01642) 326326.