POLICE have stepped up patrols in Chapelford and Whittle Hall following a spate of armed robberies targeting cyclists.

An investigation was launched after a series of thefts on the footpath which runs along the railway and joins Chapelford to Whittle Hall. 

Enquiries continue after a 15-year-old boy was approached by two men near to Whittle Avenue at 8.30pm last Thursday, April 13.

At first the group asked the teenager for a cigarette lighter but they then forced him from the blue Kona Blast mountain bike.

It is believed the group were around the age of 19 and were wearing dark clothing.

Both men had covered their faces with their hoods up.

The dad of the victim has spoken of his fears that the matter could escalate if those involved are not caught.

He said: "If you are a member of any selling sites outside of Warrington please share this. 

"Whoever took this needs to be caught.

"We have heard that this has happened a couple of times now in the same area and on one occasion, the thieves threatened a lad with a knife to get the bike. 

"If these thugs aren't caught they could end up killing someone."

The dad is also offering a reward for anyone with information to trace the thieves or help locating the bike. Call 07393 499566.

A second incident was reported around 24 hours later on Friday, April 14, at 7pm near to Belmont Crescent.  

The victim was approached by a group of men who asked for a cigarette. 

One of the men forced the victim from his bike while another brandished a knife at the victim and ordered him not to move.  

The group fled the scene with a GT Avalanche mountain bike in white and orange.  

It is believed the gang were around the age of 18, 6ft and wearing dark jackets.

A third victim was then forced from his bike on Monday near to Whittle Avenue at 2.30pm.

The victim was then punched and kicked by the group.

One of the men made threats to ‘knife’ the victim before they made off with his black Marin mountain bike.

One of the suspects is described as approximately 18 years old, 6ft with ginger hair and a beard. 

Officers have urged residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police. 

Call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.