A WOMAN was knocked off her bicycle by a gang of youths who strung a tape between two posts.The gang then attacked the woman and attempted to rob her, before running off empty-handed.
A WOMAN was knocked off her bicycle by a gang of youths who strung a tape between two posts.
The gang then attacked the woman and attempted to rob her, before running off empty-handed.
The 22-year-old cyclist was travelling home along the path leading off from Spinks Lane, Witham, when she struck a tape that had been put in place between the posts.
The attack took place at about 10pm on Tuesday near a building site, opposite the John Bramston School.
After falling to the ground, the woman was punched and kicked repeatedly, then one of the gang told her to hand over her money and mobile phone. She refused and the gang ran off into the dark.
Det-con Jane Davis, of Braintree police, said: “This woman was quite shaken up following her ordeal and was fortunate, really, to have not been seriously injured.
“She could have sustained far worse injuries from the chest-high tape that had been put in place.
“This tape had been strengthened so as not to break when struck by the unsuspecting cyclist.
“Unfortunately the alley way was unlit so the woman has so far been unable to give us a more detailed description of her assailants.”
The woman described the gang as being a group of white males, all in their mid to late teens, and all wearing hoodies.
The boy who demanded the money was of an athletic build, wearing a black hood and had a distinctive, loose fitting silver bracelet on.
Wendy Schmitt, Braintree District Council cabinet member for community safety strategy, said it was a shocking incident.
“I am extremely disappointed that these youths have sunk to a new low. Do they realise how extremely dangerous it could have been for this lady and what a dreadful shock it must have been to her?
“The police are increasing patrols in the area because they are determined to catch this group and I would urge anyone who knows something to contact them straight away. It is an absolutely vile crime.”
Anyone who saw the group of youths near the school on Tuesday night should contact Braintree police on 01376 551312.
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