A BOY was deliberately targeted in a trick to steal his bike that was also used on his friend on the same night.

Earlier this week the Worcester News reported on Joel Isaac who was tricked by a man to have a go on his bike, but who then got on and rode off.

The incident happened near the Elgar statue at 5.15pm on September 17 and on the same night, just half an hour later, his friend McKenzie Patterson had the same thing happen to him.

The 13-year-old from Arboretum was at Crowngate bus station when three men, aged 19, approached him. One of them, who was wearing a Gucci cap and a khaki green Northface jacket, stole the boy’s Carerra Vendetta bike after trying to worm his way into McKenzie’s confidence.

Mum, Katrina said: “It was a similar thing that happened to Joel. He said to McKenzie it was a nice bike, nice wheels, how much, and could he have a little go. McKenzie actually said no, but when he sat down, he left the bike leaning against a wall. The teenager got on it, and rode off. Joel and McKenzie are mates - now they both don't have bikes."

The teenager rode the stolen bike in the direction of Browns restaurant. Police investigating the theft ask anyone with information to call 101, quoting 0597S.

Meanwhile a kind hearted former Worcester resident has launched an appeal to buy Joel a new bike.

Chris Lacon said: “I saw the story in the paper and my instinct was we need to get him a new bike. Something similar happened to me when I was a kid. I’ve set a target of £500. When we get that, Joel can come along with his mum and pick the new bike.”

The 43-year-old has set up a fundraising page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chris-lacon.