'These lads are so brazen because they know nothing is being done'

ON THE streets surrounding Lostock Circle, the hum of traffic is constant.

- STEPHEN TOPPING

Car after car whizzes along the M60 flyover above, either rushing past or turning off for one of Greater Manchester's busiest destinations.

The Trafford Centre's domes loom beyond the high-rise flats which sit at the heart of The Circle, in Stretford. But away from the bustling shopping centre, a robbery against a 12-year-old boy this month has sparked concern.

His mum contacted the M.E.N., describing how he was 'mugged in broad daylight' by a group of around eight youths outside the shopping parade on The Circle. "They surrounded him and took his aftershave and his brand new mountain bike," she said.

"My son was so shaken up by the whole thing he couldn't even talk after it. Crime in our area is getting out of hand. These lads are so brazen because they know nothing is being done these days."

The mum, who asked to remain anonymous, said her son had been low on confidence about going out on his own before the incident on Sunday, March 3 - and the incident had set him back. His bike was later found in a ginnel.

CCTV footage from the shopping parade, seen by the M.E.N., captured the moment the boy was targeted and his bike was taken. The mum added: "People are nervous about these kids.

"You think you are doing the right thing letting your child out on their bike in the daytime. If you can't cycle in broad daylight, when can you?" The incident was reported to Greater Manchester Police. Detectives have spoken to the victim and enquiries are ongoing, with police hoping to identify the offenders.

The boy's mum fears anti-social behaviour is growing in the community - and she doesn't want to see someone else targeted in the same way as her son. Inside one of The Circle's shops, a worker who asked not to be named echoed concerns about youngsters hanging around outside 'everyday.