A GANG of youths threatened to stab a teenager with a knife unless he gave them his mobile phone on his way home from school.

The 16-year-old's mum, who does not wish to be named, says the incident in Pennington Hall Park in Leigh at around 4.40pm last Wednesday has left her 'angry and upset'.

Her son, who goes to Lowton High School, managed to escape unharmed with his iPhone but she is warning other young people and children to be on their guard.

She said: "My son was walking to the bus stop through Pennington Park when four boys in hoodies approached him and demanded he give them his iPhone under the threat of having a knife that they would use on him.

“Luckily my son was with friends and he looks older than his age. He laughed at them and walked away to the bus stop.

"But more vulnerable teenagers and children may not be so lucky.

"I feel so upset and angry that my son was threatened just for having his phone out.

"Obviously that shows people need to be wary.

“I urge parents to inform their children of the dangers and for teenagers and children to be aware of what could happen to them and to keep any valuables out of view.

“The four boys who threatened my son should be ashamed of themselves.

"They are also putting themselves in danger because one day they may threaten someone who fights back."

The incident has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, who carried out a patrol of the area.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.