Teen chased and nearly robbed in park as mum warns “our young people can’t even go out for exercise without fear”.

A mother has spoken out after her 14 year old son was chased and nearly robbed while out on a run, raising serious concerns about the safety of young people in Havering.

She told the Havering Daily: “Isn’t it sad and concerning that our young people can no longer go out for something as simple as exercise without fear.”

The incident happened on Monday 27 April at around 6.30pm on what she described as “a beautiful spring evening”. Her son had gone out for a 5km run and began his usual warm up lap in St Andrews Park, in Hornchurch.

While he was running, two males entered the park from Bellevue Road.

She explained, “As my son made his way back towards the Burnway exit, heading for the bridge towards Emerson Park, the two males began chasing him.”

During the chase, her son lost his footing and fell. The two males caught up with him and cornered him in the greenery near Burnway by the railway bridge.

“They attempted to rob him of his phone and were trying to force him to sign out of his Apple ID,” she said.

The situation was only brought to an end thanks to the actions of a young couple who happened to be nearby.

“Thankfully, a young couple, approached while walking their dog and saw what was happening. The man intervened and disrupted the incident, putting his own safety secondary and getting my son safely away.”

She added: “The couple then kindly walked my son home, keeping him safe and talking the whole way. Thanks to their bravery and compassion, my son escaped physically unharmed and still has his phone.”

Describing them as “a true example of what it means to be decent, responsible members of the community,” she said, “we need more people like them.”

The suspects are described as two males aged around 16 to 17 wearing dark clothing including balaclavas and gloves. One is described as black male and speaking with a ‘roadman’ accent. The other is described as white. Both were wearing black puffer jackets.

The mum is now urging the community to stay alert and look out for our young people.

“Please look out for our young people who simply want a bit of freedom and independence without fear. Trust your instincts. If you see someone in trouble, don’t ignore it.”

She also addressed other parents, saying, “To the parents who are raising beautiful, well rounded, kind hearted children and teens in our community, keep going. Let’s not let this behaviour win.”

She acknowledged frustrations around reporting incidents but stressed its importance.

“I know many will say the police don’t do anything, but it’s imperative that every crime or attempted crime is reported and recorded.”

The incident has sparked concern locally, with many now questioning how safe young people feel even in familiar community spaces.

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