A GIRL and boy were threatened at knifepoint by robbers in Runcorn.

Two men approached the children and wielded a knife in front of them demanding their bikes.

The incident happened at 6pm on Tuesday, January 30, in the underpass at the bottom of the steps leading from The Knoll in Palacefields towards Halton Hospital on Hospital Way.

The two offenders then chased the girl and boy for a short distance whilst they were riding the stolen bikes.

Detectives believe that the offenders ran past a woman pushing a pram when they were leaving the area in the direction of KFC.

The woman with the pram was later approached by an unknown man who asked whether she was Ok.

Police wish to speak to this man to establish if he witnessed the incident.

One of the stolen bikes has been recovered but one is still outstanding. The missing bike is described as having a red metal frame with Gtbikes written on, red peddles, black seat, black wheels and black spokes.

A sticker on the front reads Source.

Detective Constable Nathaniel Walkowiak said: “This was an unpleasant incident where two people have been threatening children with knives in a public place.

“Incidents like this can easily end with very serious injuries being inflicted and that is why we are encouraging people to tell us, or Crimestoppers, if you know someone who carries a knife.

“If you saw the incident then you may have vital information so please get in touch with us on 101, quoting incident number 680 of 30/01/18, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

A 25-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy were both arrested in connection with the incident and released under investigation.