Boy, nine, robbed by teenage gang

Jack Tenwick, a pupil at Dodmire Junior School in Darlington, was threatened by the gang as he cycled along the Black Path, off Rydal Road, close to the school, on Bank Holiday Monday.

The youngster was riding his bike along the lane at about 10.30am, when he was approached by three males, aged approximately 17 years old.

They ordered him to hand over an item of jewellery and when the boy refused they threatened to smash his bicycle. One of the teenagers then motioned to the terrified child that he had a knife and ordered him off the bike.

The youths, who were all wearing baseball caps, took the bike and made off towards the Lascelles Park estate.

Jack's mother, Beverley Tenwick, said: "Jack was very shocked.

"They threatened him when he refused to hand over his ring. It is terrible. He is only nine years old.

"I said to the police that the next person that it happens to might not be so lucky.

"We are hoping that somebody might know who they are and come forward."

One of the teenagers is described as having a ginger moustache and stubble.

He was said to be wearing a white hat with a dark Puffa jacket. The youth also had two earrings in his left ear and was riding a black and orange bike.

The smallest of the three youths was riding a scooter and was wearing a dark hat, a blue roll-neck sweater and a Puffa jacket.

Darlington police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "Inquiries are under way. Anybody who saw the incident, who may not have been aware what was happening at the time, is asked to come forward."

The stolen bicycle is estimated to be worth about £80. It was Freerider Sentel make, with a royal blue frame and red forks

Anyone with any information about the incident, or who knows who the teenagers are, is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The police are also keen to speak to anyone who may know the whereabouts of the bike.