A YOUNGSTER'S visit to a Bromsgrove park turned to terror when he was threatened by a youth holding a knife to his throat while an accomplice rifled his pockets.

This week the mother of the 14-year-old victim, who declined to be named for fear of retribution, contacted the Advertiser/Messenger to warn other parents to be alert to the dangers of their children being accosted in the park.

She said the incident happen at 7.30pm on Saturday August 12 in Sanders Park on a path behind St John'school.

Her son had left a group of friends to walk into town to buy food when two youths, one black, one white, both wearing hoods and aged between 15 to 18 leapt out from behind bushes.

One blocked her son's way with an iron bar while the other grabbed him from behind and held a knife to his throat.

The first youth searched the victim's pockets and stole a phone and cash.

She said one offender had a jersey pulled up to hide his features and both spoke very little to each other. Both wore dark blue track suits.

The mother said her son was badly shaken by the incident and still has the mark of the blade across his throat.

The police were informed of the incident she said, but she has been dismayed it was not reported in the media, a fact which prompted her contact the Advertiser/Messenger.

When told we had not been given the information by police, she said: "I firmly believe the public has a right to know about such incidents to enable them to be aware of the dangers children face.

"Following an inquiry by a reporter to Bromsgrove police on Monday an appeal for information was issued yesterday (Tuesday).

DC James Beard said: "Our inquiries into this incident are on-going and as part of this we would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident itself or noticed either of the males."

He added the black offender had his right arm in a sling although it was not thought to be in plaster.

Anyone with information should call Bromsgrove CID on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

l Let us know of any similar incidents or other crime - call the Newsdesk on 01527 837000.