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Trick or treaters held up at knife point by thugs

Lee Sykes
1/11/2006

TWO young girls out 'trick or treating' had their goodies stolen by thugs who threatened them with a knife.

Derker youngsters Poppy and Autumn were out in their Halloween costumes looking for tasty treats, and a few coppers from generous locals, when the crime took place.

It was about 4.45pm on Monday when the girls - who are aged eight and nine - were approached in London Road by two hooded youths.

One of the youths produced a five-inch blade and demanded the girls hand over their bags, which contained sweets and a small amount of cash they had collected.

Poppy's mum Jenny Miller, 40, said: "They had gone out after school when it was still light so this is not something you expect to happen. Both the girls were very distressed when they finally got home

"They told me the smaller boy was hiding in the bushes and the taller one was waving a knife about and said, 'give me your money and sweets and I won't harm you'. Autumn ran away but Poppy just froze. She then threw the bag at them and they both ran home together.

"It was a traumatic experience, but they are both back at school. I think it is better if they get back to normal as quickly as possible. They go to Mayfield School and they have sent a letter out warning other parents about what happened.

"It seems it is becoming normal for teenage lads to carry knives and it is very worrying. I think if they are caught they should be severely punished as you don't know what they could have done - it could have been much more serious.

"It's a shame because I won't want to let them out 'trick or treating' in future, although it was fine when I was their age."

The youths were both white, aged about 14 and wore dark, hooded, Carlotti tracksuits. The one with the knife was about 5ft 2in, skinny, with short brown hair He had a small mole on his face, close to his nose. The other was about 4ft 10in, skinny, with short brown hair.

• ANYONE with information should call police on 0161 872 50 50 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.