Thames Valley Police appeal following bike robbery in Linear Park, Calcot

Police are appealing for witnesses after two boys were robbed in a West Berkshire park.

Officers said that two males, who were part of a group of young people, took two bicycles belonging to two 14-year-old boys at Southcote Linear Park in Calcot.

One of the boys was kicked in the stomach after he confronted them, and the suspects left with the bikes along the pathway towards Burghfield Road.

One of the suspects was later seen in Coronation Square, Southcote, Reading, where one of the bicycles was recovered. The other bicycle has not been found.

The robbery took place at around 3pm on Sunday, June 6.

One of the suspects is described as a white male with a slight tan, around 17-years-old and 5ft 9 ins tall. He has short, darkish curly hair with a straight fringe. He was wearing a darkish, green coat with his hood up and black sunglasses.

Officers said he may have also been wearing a snood-type mask covering his mouth and black tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect is described as a white male around 16-years-old, 5ft 8 ins tall and medium build. He has very short hair with shaved sides and a barcode fringe, with no facial hair.

Police said he may have been wearing an earring in his right ear, and a grey Nike hoodie and grey Nike tracksuit bottoms. He was also wearing white shoes.

The stolen bike is a Voodoo Bantu with a grey and orange frame. It has mountain tyres, hydraulic brakes and small fluid-filled capsules near the brake levers. The right hand brake lever was replaced and sticks out at a different angle. The bike’s saddle is black suede effect with the word “Collective” in white at the back of it. A black bottle holder was attached to the frame.

The boy who was kicked in the stomach did not sustain any injuries.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nicholas Wilkinson of CID, based at Newbury police station, said: “This was a frightening experience for the two young boys targeted in this incident. Although the victim who was kicked did not suffer any injuries, a bicycle was stolen.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of Southcote Linear Park and Coronation Square at around the time of the incident on 6 June who believe that they witnessed this incident to please contact police.

"I would be particularly keen to hear from anybody who recognises the description of the suspects, or who perhaps has seen the stolen bicycle to get in touch.

“You can do so by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43210246385.

“You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”