Police are urgently appealing for witnesses following a violent bike theft in Trowbridge, near the Somerset-Wiltshire border. On the evening of Monday, July 28, around 7 pm, a bare-chested man confronted a 16-year-old boy near the steps of the bridge by Tesco on Longfield. The suspect demanded the teenager’s bicycle. When the boy refused, the attacker responded with an elbow strike followed by multiple punches to the face.
The victim was rushed to hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. Wiltshire Police confirmed the incident, stating: “A 16-year-old was approached by a man near Tesco’s bridge entrance on Longfield at approximately 7 pm on July 28. The man demanded the bike, and upon refusal, assaulted the boy. The victim is now recovering in hospital.”
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the assault or saw a topless man cycling away from the Tesco bridge towards Longfield Estate or Dursley Lane to come forward. Residents with CCTV footage in the area are also urged to contact police. Information can be provided by calling 101 with reference number 54250102972, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.