A YOUNG boy was left “shaken” after a man stole his bike in York.

Lewis Carruthers, 13, was heading home from McDonald’s in the city centre, along with two friends - a boy and a girl, both aged 13 - when the group was allegedly chased by a man in Walmgate at about 9.20pm on Saturday.

Lewis was walking alongside his bike but decided to let go of it and run, his mum Marie Brandon said.

She claims the man grabbed the girl’s arm before making off with Lewis’ bike in the direction of Hope Street.

Archbishop Holgate’s School pupil Lewis only received the bike, which cost £320, about four weeks ago as a birthday present from his parents.

Marie, who lives in Etty Avenue, Tang Hall, said: “It really has shaken Lewis up.

“He has not slept or eaten properly.

“He is very upset by what has happened. He keeps asking me ‘will I get my bike back mum’.”

She added: “If somebody has bought this bike, as they might have bought it without knowing where it has come from and which circumstances, please get in touch with me.”

You can contact Marie by emailing her at mazbrandon@yahoo.co.uk

The suspect is described as white and middle-aged, clean-shaven, with receding hair.

He was wearing a yellow top with the hood up and blue jeans.

The stolen bike is as an orange Carrera mountain bike with an 18” frame.

North Yorkshire Police said it is currently investigating the incident.

A spokesman for the force commented that police are appealing for information after a 13-year-old girl was assaulted and a bike was stolen in York.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about it is urged to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option one and quote incident number 12170184745.

Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.