Teens in knife terror

TWO 16-year-olds were slashed across the face by an armed gang in a street robbery in Oldham.

The boy and girl were sitting on a wall on Fir Tree Avenue at 9.20pm on Wednesday when three youths approached and asked for the time.

The boy took out his mobile phone but they knocked it out of his hand before one slashed his face with a blade. The other two picked up the phone and ran off.

Moments later they returned and threatened to stab the girl if she did not also hand over her phone. She tried to run away but was also slashed across the face.

The thugs took her phone and ran away in the direction of Wildbrook Crescent.

The injured duo went to the Royal Oldham Hospital suffering from minor injuries.

The offenders are described as white, aged between 15 and 17 and wearing dark hooded tops.

Police Constable Martin Wildman, of Oldham Volume Crime Team, said: “Fortunately these two young victims were not seriously injured, but it could have been far worse for them. They have understandably been left shaken by what happened.

“We’re determined to catch whoever did this, but we do need the public’s help. I’m sure someone in the area knows who is responsible.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161-856 9578 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.