Attempted Robbery In Redditch Underpass

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after a cyclist was pushed off his bike in a Redditch underpass in an attempted robbery.

Police are linking the latest incident which happened on Friday night (21 September) with a knife robbery the previous evening (20 September) in another underpass nearby, which also involved a group of Asian males.

In Friday's incident a man in his 50s was confronted by a group of around six Asian youths, thought to be in their late teens, as he rode a bike through the underpass between Greenlands Drive and the path leading to a footbridge over the A441 Alvechurch Highway. 

One of the group pushed the man off his bike and told him to hand over property including his mobile phone. Reference was made to a knife during the incident although none was actually seen. However the victim told them that he did not have anything to give them and pushed his bike from the scene while the group stayed in the underpass.

He suffered bruising and grazing when he fell from his bike but did not require medical treatment.

The main offender was described as aged around 17, 5 ft 8 inches in height, average build, with hair on his top lip. He was wearing a large, dark winter jacket. The others with him were all thought to be teenagers.

Detective Constable Dave Jennings of Redditch CID said the incident was being linked with a robbery on Thursday night in an underpass off Harport Road between Lodge Park and Greenlands.

He said: "On that occasion three Asian males threatened a man at knifepoint and stole a bag from him containing an empty lunchbox.

"There are obvious similarities between these incidents and it may well be that some of the same people were involved in both. We would like to hear from anyone else using those underpasses who may have noticed these males or be able to tell us who they are.

"Nothing was taken in Friday night's incident but the fact that reference was made to a knife and one was actually produced the evening before is of great concern. It is very likely they live locally and we need people to come forward and help us identify those involved as soon as possible."

Patrols by uniformed officers have been stepped up in the area as a result of both incidents.

Anyone with information should call Det Con Jennings at Redditch CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 238-N-210912, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Monday, 24 September 2012