A TEENAGER had his new bike stolen by two youths who threatened him with a baton outside an Accrington takeaway.

Kelton Gregory, 15, of College Court, had popped out to get a kebab from Roosters Cottage, on Blackburn Road, just around the corner from his home, when he was attacked.

He locked up the BMX, which he had saved up for months to buy, while he went inside the shop, just after 10pm on Sunday.

Kelton noticed the pair looking at the bike but they walked off when he asked them what they were doing. They returned a few minutes later and tried to lift the bike, but realised that it was locked and left.

When Kelton eventually came out of the shop, he was confronted by the youths who had been waiting in a nearby shop doorway.

They threatened him with a baton and made him remove the bike lock, then pushed him to the ground and stole the bike.

Kelton's horrified mum, Donna, said: "He was going to get his kebab and then go straight on to my brother's in Persia Street because he has not been well. I feel guilty because I told him to go there. I usually take him in the car but my washing machine had just broken down with clothes inside it and I was dealing with that.

"He has only just got the bike, which is a special stunt bike and cost £300. It was his birthday in March and he had wanted it for ages so we saved up to get it for him. I took a part-time job and he has done some chores.

"He had to earn it, he didn't just get given it , and he had not had a bike in four years. He had only been out on it twice and now it is gone. He is devastated.

"He is a good, quiet lad and he never brings any trouble to my door. He doesn't bother with anybody and he does not fight or back-chat."

Donna said there had been a number of problems in the area recently, adding: "These two lads had weapons on them so they were obviously looking for trouble. It is just getting worse around here and there have been a lot of muggings.

"I just want to make other people aware, especially those with children, and let them know what is going on."

Donna, who also has two daughters, Terri-Leigh, nine, and Corrigan, eight, said that the bike, which has been described as a black Flax stunt bike, was not insured so she will be unable to replace it.

Anyone with information should contact Accrington Police on 51212.