Witness appeal as child is robbed in street

Police are reassuring the public that crime is not escalating out of control in the Isle of Man.

It follows an incident in Strand Street this week in which a 12-year-old boy had money snatched from his hand.

The Ballakermeen High School Student was heading towards KFC with a £5 note when it was taken by one of three teenagers who then ran off in the direction of Villiers Square.

The incident happened in the middle of the afternoon and Sergeant Ged Power says there were a number of witnesses.

He also says the area is covered by CCTV, which will give officers significant clues as to who was responsible.

Sergeant Power says in all his years with the force he has never come across such a crime on the Island, but is stressing there was no violence and no threats were made.

However, he believes the incident can serve as a lesson to others (play audio file):

Anybody with information which could help the investigation is asked to ring Police Headquarters on 631212, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.