Mum's warning after teenage son robbed at knifepoint by four masked youths near Preston

The mum, who did not want to be named, says she wants to raise awareness of the terrifying incident after hearing about similar crimes in the area.

She says her 16-year-old son was cycling on the Guild Wheel with his friend when he was pushed off his bike by a group of four masked teenagers near Recycling lives in Longridge Road.

The group, reportedly aged between 15 and 16, proceeded to threaten him, saying he had five seconds to hand over his bike before pulling out a knife at around 6.10pm on May 29.

Shaken, her son handed handed over his bike before making his way to safety with his friend and contacting the police.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post, the concerned mother said the attack has had a hugely profound impact on her son and the whole family.

"Physically my boys hurt, he's traumatised, and he's gutted that he's had his bike stolen," she said.

"I'm not going to let my son go down Guild Wheel again, even if he is with his friend, because while these four youths are out there I don't know when they're going to strike again.

"I’ve heard of a few incidents like this and I thought people needed to be made aware of what's going on."

The mum says nearly two weeks after her son's ordeal, an 18-year-old man was walking in Midgery Lane, Fulwood when he was approached by four boys on June 10.

One of the youths reportedly asked him for the time before the rest of the group grabbed his arms and ransacked his pockets, taking his phone and wallet at around 4pm.

The group then allegedly told the victim he had five seconds to tell them the password of his phone before pulling out a knife.

Police have confirmed two boys aged 15 and 14, both from Preston, were arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with the incident and released under investigation.

Then, just one week later, another teenage boy allegedly had his bike stolen by a group of boys carrying a knife outside Grimsargh Village Hall in Preston Road at around 3pm on June 17.

Lancashire Police said they are unable confirm if the incidents are linked at this stage.

The mum added: "They're either selling these bikes to a main person or they're selling them locally themselves for whatever pin money they need, so it could be an organised event.

"The Guild Wheel is so busy there could even be a watch out. There could be a team of them, you just don't know.

"They seem to be getting greedier as well and I just don't want anybody getting hurt."