11:26am Wednesday 8th July 2009
By World reporter
VICIOUS robbers struck twice, stealing mobiles, within half an hour in a Widnes street, police revealed today.
Detectives are now appealing to anyone who may have seen three men acting suspiciously in Birchfield Road to contact them.
Two local men, aged 16 and 26 were the first victims.
They were walking near the cemetery when they were confronted by the mob.
Both men were threatened unless they hand over their phones.
The thieves ran off, leaving the pair unhurt.
Thirty minutes later, three friends in their late teens were also threatened by a three-man gang.
One of the victims was grabbed by an offender in Lancaster Road and held against some bushes.
Another offender then kicked him in the face, demanding his mobile phone.
The mob then ran off.
The 18-year-old victim was taken to hospital and released later.
A black Astra or Fiesta vehicle was seen nearby and may be linked to the robbers.
The first offender was white, 6ft 3ins to 6ft 4ins, in his early 20s, of slim build with very short light hair.
He was wearing a white T-shirt and dark shorts.
The second man was white, 5ft 9ins, aged around 22 , of stocky build, with a Widnes accent.
He was wearing dark combats and a black hooded top which covered his hair.
The third offender was white, 6ft 1in, aged around 23, of slim build with short black hair.
He had a Widnes accent and wore a black jacket.
The robberies happened at 7.50pm and 8.20pm on Wednesday, June 24.
Anyone with information can call DC Alison Howarth on 01244 613952 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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