Balaclava-clad thieves dragged a teenager across the ground as they stole his beloved mountain bike in Gateshead. Noah Nash, 14, had saved for two-and-a-half years to buy his dream Santa Cruz Hightower, but it was stolen just 10 days after he got it.
Teen Dragged During Robbery
Noah, from Greenside, was riding his bike in Ryton on Friday evening when two men on a moped approached him. One pushed him off the bike, and when Noah grabbed it, they dragged him across the ground. 'I didn't want to get stabbed or anything,' Noah said. 'I'm gutted it's gone. I'm angry and sad.'
His father Gary, 57, added: 'They pushed Noah off the bike, he grabbed it and they were dragging it off him, dragging him across the floor. He was pleading with them not to take it.'
A Dream Bike Lost
Noah had sold his games console and saved all his pocket money, Christmas and birthday cash to buy the bike. 'Noah is obsessed with mountain biking,' Gary said. 'This is something he has built up to for two-and-a-half years. It has just been a goal to get this bike.'
Noah had only ridden the bike four times before it was stolen. He was out with a friend when the thieves struck. 'They started talking to me and at first I thought they were being nice. Then one turned around and pushed me,' Noah recalled.
Family Launches Fundraiser
Fortunately, Noah was not seriously injured. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to replace the bike. 'This loss has hit Noah hard,' Gary said. 'I hope this crowdfunding effort will help Noah see that there is more good than evil in the world.'
Police Investigation
Northumbria Police are investigating the robbery, which occurred at around 5.15pm on Friday, June 5, in the Peth Lane area of Ryton. The suspects made off towards Newburn Bridge. Police are appealing for witnesses. Please quote reference NP-20260605-0885.
