Appeal for information following robbery of teenage boy in Taylor Park, Thatto Heath, St Helens

Detectives are appealing for information following the robbery of a teenage boy in a Thatto Heath park last night, Thursday 27 June.

At 8.50pm, police were called to Taylor Park on Regents Road, close to the boat house, to reports that a 17-year-old boy had been walking when he was approached by three males wearing black clothing, with their faces concealed. They reportedly spoke with Liverpool accents.

Threats were made and the victim was punched, resulting in bruising to his face and head, and briefly being left unconscious. He was treated at hospital.

A Diem fishing rod, Diem fishing net and black North Face rucksack were stolen and the three suspects ran away.

CCTV and witness enquiries are being made and detectives want to hear from anyone with information now. Patrols will be in the area to offer reassurance to the community and gather information.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Sumner: "This was a despicable and unprovoked attack and robbery on a lone teenager walking home after fishing. We all need to adopt an attitude of revulsion about groups like this, who prowl our parks and green spaces causing fear and distress to those who use them. We will do everything in our power to make these areas hostile for criminals to operate.

"There will have been people in the park at that time who saw this group, either before, during or after the attack, and we want to hear from them all. Whether you saw or heard anything, or captured a group matching this description on home CCTV, dashcam away from the park or on a mobile device, come forward and we will take positive action to identify those involved.

"I also want to implore anyone who has been offered these stolen items since last night, or seen them online or elsewhere, to do the right thing and tell us more. Working closely with our communities and partners, we can and will ensure that the green spaces of St Helens remain safe places to visit and enjoy at all times."

Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 19100340591. You can also pass names or other information to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is completely independent of the police.