Police enquiries are ongoing after four boys, all aged around thirteen-years-old, were chased and had their property stolen by a man at the Clapton Road play area in Midsomer Norton last weekend.

The incident happened at around 3 p.m. last Saturday when the boys were playing football in the park. The man, who was reportedly drunk and wearing a black hooded jumper and sunglasses, chased the boys, who abandoned their bags, containing a small amount of cash and mobile phones, which were then stolen by him.

The bags were later found in the Hillside Crescent area and had been emptied and dumped as he was walking.

One of the parents of the boys, who contacted The Journal, said: “If anyone saw the incident or anything suspicious before or afterwards, we would like them to get in touch with the police and offer any information.

“It’s such a shame this has happened, because we always encourage our children to get away from the Xbox or tv screens, go outside and play – and then something like this happens.”

Local police say this was an isolated incident and that enquiries are ongoing.

They have also emphasised the importance of phone tracking systems and apps, such as ‘find my iPhone’ and immobilisers.

Any information can be given via 101 using the log number: AS-20170211-0627.