Blidworth teen punched in the face by gang of thugs who stole his bike

Sam Smith, of Blidworth, was with a group of friends by the fishing lakes at Newstead Abbey when he was approached by a group of around 10 teenagers.

Sam was punched in the face, suffering minor injuries and was forced to hand over his prized possession.

He said: "I'm still very angry, sad and really gutted my bike was taken from me.

"We were just surrounded by the group, and they just threatened us. It was quite a scary thing to be honest. We weren't doing anything, it was completely out of the blue. I'm desperate to have the bike back.

"My Dad died at the start of the year and the bike was the last gift he gave for my birthday last year. It's something I cherish and something when I ride on it, I think of him. I need it back, so please help me if you know where it is."

Sam's mother, Sylvia Smith, 50, is pleading for anyone who witnessed the incident to help officers with their enquiries. She lost her husband Kevin at the age of 57.

She added: "It's obviously been a really difficult year for all our family, so to now have someone take an innocent boy's bike is very sad.

“The bike was the last thing that my husband and I got Sam, so it means a lot to us.

"The bike is something that we as a family need back, so if you see anything similar to the picture please call the police. I know Sam was with plenty of people near the lakes at Newstead, in broad daylight, at a weekend, so I'm hoping someone will have seen the actions of those group and can help."

Three thugs kicked a boy off his scooter and stole it in Mansfield

Police Constable James Gill is leading the investigation. He said: "The boys started threatening the group and the Sam was punched in the face. All of the group were threatened and two push bikes and a bag were taken.

"We have located one of the bikes and the bag, but we are still searching for the outstanding bike (pictured).

"The family has had a terrible time of late, with his father passing away not long ago and the bike was the last gift his father gave to him.

"The lad and his family are distraught by the theft of the bike as this has huge sentimental value.

"We are hoping someone will see this appeal and we can get the bike back for Sam.

"The incident happened around 3.15pm on 19 July, so there must have been people out walking and on the site who may have seen the robbery or even recognised the bike.

"If you believe you can help please call 101, quoting incident 492 of 19 July 2020."

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