I REFER to the letter from "Traumatised Mum" (BEN, January 22.

My son and his four friends, all in their first year at Turton High School, were faced with a similar occurrence on Newport Street on January 16. While shopping, they were pounced on by some older boys who spread eagled them against the wall at Kwick Save, threatening to "leather them" if they did not hand over their "jester hats" purchased some five minutes earlier along with all their remaining money.

The police were telephoned twice by an adult from the call box on Trinity Street Station and failed to attend the scene on both occasions. The boys were petrified by what had happened, yet were unable to gain assistance from passers-by.

It was only when the boys reached, what they thought was sanctuary (Trinity Street Station) that a young lady carrying a rucksack gave them enough money to phone home. Thank-you.

Both my wife and myself have been against our sons visiting Bolton town centre but hope this will be a warning to other "non-street wise kids" and their parents.

We reported this theft at Astley Bridge Police Station and a sympathetic officer visited our house to take statements, a harrowing ordeal in its own right, for honest children.

Is it any wonder that young people, old people and families alike, will travel to the security-patrolled Trafford Centre where smartly dressed, well mannered guards are in abundance to assist people in their quest to spend their hard earned cash.

Angered Dad of four boys.

Name and address supplied

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