Boy,14, in gun terror

Date published: 21 September 2009

A terrified 14-year-old had a gun held to his head before thieves stole his BMX bike in broad daylight.

The teenager was riding in Hollins Road when he was confronted by three youths aged around 18 outside Bargain Booze.

One produced a semi-automatic weapon and held it to the boy’s forehead, another demanded his bike.

Police say he was terrified for his life and after he gave the bike to them, the gang walked away along Hollins Road towards Oldham. He was not injured but severely shaken by the robbery.

It happened at 6.30 pm on August 29, which police say would be a busy time of the evening, and they are appealing for help.

The youth with the gun was white, aged around 18, 6ft tall, slim, with shaved ginger hair and stubble, wearing a black jacket, and black T-shirt with gold lettering.

The second was black, also 6ft, wearing a black and gold cap, black jacket and T- shirt. The third was around the same age.

Det Con Vicki Tait, of Oldham CID, said: “This young boy was put into an absolutely terrifying position that no one, let along a teenager, should have to go through. It is impossible to imagine how frightening this could be.

“There would be lots of people in the area, and it is extremely vital that we catch these men and remove this gun from our streets.”

Anyone with information should call 0161-856 8952, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.