Appeal for witnesses after two robberies reported in Melksham

Officers in Melksham are investigating two robberies which are believed to be linked.

During one incident, at approximately 8.15pm on March 21, a 16-year-old boy was with friends on a bench off a footpath between Skylark Road and Snarlton Lane when he was approached by a man he did not know.

The man produced a knife which he held against the victim’s chest after the group shouted something at him. He grabbed the boy’s clothing before letting go and the group ran off.

The suspect is described as black, approximately 6 ft tall, of average build. He was wearing a black balaclava, blue jacket and black Nike Air Max trainers. It is believed he may have been aged in his late teens and he was riding a very distinctive escooter with a seat.

The previous day (20/3) at approximately 7.20pm, a 17-year-old boy was approached in Pembroke Road by a group of four males – one of these males asked the teenager for money he owed them. When he replied that he didn’t owe them money, he was smacked across the face causing an injury and swelling under his eye, before his mobile phone was stolen.

This group are believed to have been aged between 16 and 17 – and one of the group was also riding an escooter.

Inspector Gill Hughes said: “The victims in both of these incidents have understandably been left shaken up. On one occasion, the victim was injured, and on the other occasion, the victim was threatened with violence. During both occasions, the suspect has been described as having an escooter with a seat which is quite distinctive.

“Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated and please be reassured that we are conducting extensive enquiries into both incidents and we would urge anyone with information to please get in touch via 101. Please quote crime reference number 54220028720. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”