AN armed gang robbed a 13-year-old boy of his £300 bike in Southend High Street, claiming they had weapons and would attack him if he didn’t co-operate.

The victim was targeted by the gang of five thugs near Tomassi’s restaurant.

The gang claimed they had weapons and threatened to injure the young boy and his friend if they didn’t hand over the bike.

The boy’s friend fled to find police who raised the alarm and informed train station and town centre security.

The victim’s grandmother said: “He and his friend are from Shoebury and had gone to the town centre and were looking for their mate who they thought was in the High Street.

“The gang of five then surrounded them in the High Street and threatened them both. They had weapons or something in their trousers and were telling them that too.

“He could have been killed or anything. The friend ran off to find police who then informed the security in the town centre and at the stations. The bike cost about £300 and is very expensive.

“He’s been very quiet since and won’t talk about what’s happened to him.”

Five teenage boys have been arrested in connection with the incident, but have been released on bail while police continue to investigate.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Five teenage boys have been arrested in connection with an incident where another teenager had his bike stolen.

“It happened in Southend High Street shortly after 2.50pm on February 16. A 14-year-old and two 15-year-old boys, all from London, were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

“Another 14-year-old, also from London, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

“And a further 15-year-old, also from London, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

“They have all since been released on bail until March 15. We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.”

Report information online at www.essex.police.uk or call 101 with crime reference number 42/40843/22.