Gang of youths rob teenagers

A large group of youths carried out two robberies in Norwich city centre leaving their victim badly shaken and with minor injuries.

A large group of youths carried out two robberies in Norwich city centre leaving their victim badly shaken and with minor injuries.

The first incident happened between 8.30pm and 9pm near to the bandstand in Chapelfield Gardens last Friday. Two boys, one 15 and one 16-years-old, were walking through the park when the group of about 20 entered from Theatre Street. Two members then repeatedly punched and kicked the victims before making off with a mobile phone towards Vauxhall Street.

The second incident happened between 10.50pm and 11.15pm in Hay Hill near to Next store. A 15-year-old boy and a friend were walking along towards The Forum when they were approached by a large group of youths who had gathered by the market stalls.

The 15-year-old was punched in the face by one member of the group and then other members of the group demanded the victim's mobile phone and cash.

Police have descriptions of several individuals: a boy who is black, aged between 16 and 20, more than 6ft tall, of large build and wearing baggy clothing; a white boy, with short dark brown hair, about 5ft 10ins tall, of thin build, and wearing a blue jumper; a white boy, aged between 18 to 20, with short spiky light brown hair, of medium build and with a striped long-sleeved top; a man who is described as being white, between 25 and 30, of stocky build with a bald head; other boys were described as being white, in their mid to late teens to early 20s and of proportionate build.

Insp Kevin Clarke, who oversees day-to-day policing in the city centre, said: “These incidents are totally reprehensible and both involved victims who may have been easy targets because of their age.”

Contact Det Con Kim Clarke at Norwich CID on 0845 4564567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.