A SCHOOLBOY was subjected to a terrifying knifepoint robbery in broad daylight.

Three youths demanded the boy's mobile phone after surrounding him in Beta Street, just outside Bolton town centre, and threatening to stab him if he did not hand it over.

Two passers-by asked if the boy, aged 14, was okay, but the robbers told him to say he was all right or they would stab him, said his father.

The father of the boy said the teenager was left “traumatised” by the incident.

He said: “He is absolutely devastated. I was on my way home from work and my dad rang me up and said he was absolutely traumatised because of what had happened.

“As soon as I got in he ran up to me and wouldn’t let go, that’s how petrified he was.”

Police are working to identify the three youths who took the mobile phone on Tuesday last week.

They are described as being of Asian appearance, aged about 17 or 18, with some facial hair.

They were wearing dark clothing and hoodies.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge said: “We are investigating and following lines of inquiry.

“We would like to appeal for witnesses. Please get in touch with us if you saw anything. We believe it is an isolated incident at this time.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.