POLICE have launched an appeal after a man threatened a 14-year-old bot with a blade and demanded he hand over his bike.

At 5:30pm on Friday, April 21, the boy was riding his bike along Dundalk Road in the direction of Hale Road, Widnes.

As the boy approached the Ditton Community Centre, an unknown man crossed the road in front of him and blocked his path.

The man proceeded to produce a bladed weapon and threatened the boy to hand over the bike.

The victim complied with the offender who then cycled away from the scene and turned down Ashley Green Road.

The stolen bike is described as a grey and orange Haibike with a cup holder on the frame, worth around £2,000.

The suspect is described as being of slim build around 6’ 2” with shoulder-length black hair.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing all black clothing.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information that may aid the investigation.

Detective Constable Ben Parkinson, who is leading the investigation, said: “This investigation is in its early stages, and we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the Dundalk Road area at the time of the incident and may have witnessed anything suspicious.

“We are also aware that a number of residents now have ring doorbells, so please, if you live in the Dundalk Road or Hale Road area, review it to see if anything has been captured that may aid our investigation.”

Anyone with information or video footage that may help the ongoing investigation should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua, quoting IML 1529793.

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.