Police appeal for witnesses after boy robbed in Victoria Park in Newbury on December 24

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was robbed in Victoria Park.

Shortly before 2pm today (Sunday), Thames Valley Police received a report of at least three males wearing balaclavas attacking and robbing a teenage boy in Victoria Park in central Newbury.

Officers attended, and with the help of the public, located and arrested three boys, all aged 15 and from the Reading and Newbury areas, on suspicion of robbery.

All three remain in police custody.

The victim suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

Nothing was stolen.

Inspector Craig Burchall, based at Newbury police station, said: “The victim, a boy taking a lunch break from his part-time job alone in the park, was attacked for apparently no other reason than because he was there.

“I understand this robbery may be alarming for some but please be assured this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are investigating it rigorously and have arrested three boys in connection with this incident, who remain in our custody at this time.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to please come forward; there were several people in the park at the time and key witnesses have still not got in touch.

“Also, if you have CCTV cameras in the area or were driving in the area around the time of the incident and have a dash-cam, please check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist us and get in touch if you have.

“Anyone with information or footage should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230574789.

“Alternatively provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.

“Please do not share videos or images of the incident on social media; instead, send them to us via our website.”