Schoolgirl gang mugs woman in street (From The Bolton News)

Schoolgirl gang mugs woman in street

6:35am Saturday 28th November 2009

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A GANG of schoolgirls — some as young as 12 — are being hunted by detectives after they mugged a woman in the street.

The five girls, plus a boy who was involved, were in school uniform when they jumped their 21-year-old victim.

Police said the group were all aged between 12 and 16 and are believed to go to the Essa Academy.

The group attacked the woman while she was talking on her mobile phone.

Four of the gang ran off with her phone and handbag — while two others held their terrified victim against the wall until a passer by went to her rescue.

The man chased off the gang and recovered the phone and handbag before waiting with the woman for police to arrive.

The attack happened in Lever Street, Great Lever, on Friday, November 13, at 3.15pm, about one mile away from the school.

Police say they are now working closely with Essa. The academy, in Lever Edge Lane, Morris Green, is checking its attendance records — as the incident happened during school hours.

PC Andrew Sharkey said: “Just because the offenders in the situation were very young does not mean it was any less frightening for the victim to be set upon.

“Fortunately, a very public-spirited person was on hand to make sure they did not get away with it.

“Incidents like this are rare and we are doing all we can to track down those responsible.”

The victim, a Somalian woman, was walking in Fletcher Street talking on her phone and turned into Lever Street.

As she walked towards Rigby Court she passed the gang. It was then that the youths turned around and attacked her.

She described them as white, aged between 12 and 16, and wearing a black and yellow uniform.

But the school, which has its own on-site police officer, said it was unclear whether the youngsters definitely attended Essa.

Deputy principal Jeff Ellis said: “This incident, which was over two weeks ago, has only just come to our attention.

“We are checking our own attendance records which, along with the descriptions, gives us a very good chance of identifying these young people, if indeed they are our students.

“I would reinforce the police message and ask these people to come forward.”

Mr Ellis said the school would leave the matter in the hands of police once the offenders are identified.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5660 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

steven.thompson@ theboltonnews.co.uk

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