A TEENAGER taking a short cut home through a park was assaulted by a man who then stole his bike.

Thirteen-year-old Barry Helsby, from Seath Avenue, Parr, was riding through Gaskell Park at about 9.30pm on Friday, January 16, when a man stepped out in front of him and asked him the time. The youngster didn't answer and tried to ride on but the man stopped him and punched him in the ribs, knocking him off the bike. The man then climbed onto the bike and rode off.

The bike - a silver-chrome 'Concept No Mercy' BMX - was a Christmas present and Barry's mum Diane told the Star: "The bike cost £150 and we had been saving all year to get him it. He is really upset now and I can't believe anyone would sink so low as to punch a child. Whoever is responsible is a real coward. Unfortunately, I can't offer a reward because we haven't the money but I just hope someone may have seen the bike or may have some information."

Barry wasn't able to get a good look at his attacker as his face was covered by a red-and-white scarf, but he was white, about 5ft 9ins tall and slimly built and was wearing jeans, a dark-coloured fleece jacket and a bobcap.

ANYONE with information can contact DC Jackie Fitzpatrick at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6064 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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