Appeal following alleged robbery and GBH in Purley, Croydon

Police are releasing an image of a man they want to trace following a robbery and GBH in Purley.

The incident is alleged to have happened at about 17:15hrs on Thursday, 17 November 2022 on Brighton Road, Purley.

A 15-year-old boy was followed and then approached by an older boy, who threatened him with violence if he did not hand over his coat, which he did.

Following the robbery the victim went home and he and his mother drove around the area looking for the suspect, finding him near Purley Station.

They then called his father who went to the station where the suspect was seen on the platform wearing the stolen jacket.

They went to confront the suspect who ran off through alleys until he arrived at Victoria Road, where he boarded a bus.

The father and his son managed to stop and get onto the bus and a fight ensued.

During the fight the suspect produced a large machete and the victim’s father received cuts to his hands and leg and the son received serious injuries to his hand.

Both were treated in hospital, the injuries were not life changing

The suspect then ran off.

He is described as black, aged 15 to 17, 5ft 11ins and had stubble on his chin.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 5488/17NOV

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.