Frightening attacks on teenagers are thought to be linked

Police in Ealing are appealing for help in identifying suspects in two phone robberies which detectives believe are linked.

On Tuesday, 25 November at approximately 19:20hrs outside Durden Park, Lady Margaret Road, Southall a 14-year-old boy was with three friends when they were approached by three men.

The boy’s friends ran off leaving him surrounded by the three suspects. One of the group demanded any possessions the boy had and when he refused to hand over his phone he was threatened and told he would be stabbed. The man took the boy’s phone and oyster card from his trouser pocket and the group ran into the park.

He's described as male, black, 20-25 years, medium build, with dark short hair - box style on the front, dark skin, light stubble on cheeks, large full lips and wearing a dark hooded jacket.

The two others are described as male, black and wearing black hooded jackets.

On Sunday, 30 November at approximately 17:05hrs a 14-year-old boy along with two teenage girls, visited Northala Fields, Northolt and were confronted and threatened by two men demanding mobile phones. Three phones were handed over.

Suspect1 is described as male, black, approximately 20-23 years old, 5ft 8ins to 6ft 0ins tall, muscular/stocky build, with black dreadlocks between ears and shoulders, wearing a black waterproof jacket possibly with a green ‘E’ logo on the left, black jeans and black shoes.

Suspect2 is described as male, black, approximately 18-20 years old, Somali in appearance, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, 18-20, skinny build, wearing a black waterproof jacket possibly with a green ‘E’ logo on the left, black jeans and black shoes.

Detective Constable Mary Purcell, Ealing CID, said:

''I urgently need information to catch the suspects in these two robberies. In these cowardly acts, they seem to be targeting victims younger than themsleves who are easily intimidated and are unlikely to retaliate. I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity at the time of these two incidents and may have witnessed or heard anything, to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ealing CID on 101 quoting reference 2529390/14. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

6th January 2015