POLICE officers will patrol schools across town at home time after a spate of robberies in which teenagers were targeted.

Uniformed and plain clothes officers will be stationed in ‘key areas as a deterrent and for reassurance’ over the coming days after a number of attacks, in which teenage boys had their bike stolen by robbers.

A dedicated investigation into the series of incidents has been opened, with a ‘number of lines of enquiry being followed’.

Cheshire Police are urging children to be vigilant, with pupils advised to avoid travelling home alone and to stay with groups of friends.

They are being warned against taking routes including shortcuts down back alleys or parks, and to stick to ‘well lit and visible areas’.

Parents are also advised to record their kids’ bicycle serial numbers and to take pictures of their bikes.

Detective inspector Chris Maddocks said: “We know there appears to be an increase lately in bikes being stolen from school children across Warrington – I want to reassure children and their parents that we are working hard to find those responsible.

“I do not want people to feel unsafe and that they can’t go about their daily lives, but as a precaution it is important to consider alternative routes.

“If a child is approached and they are threatened or their bike is stolen, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Boys have been robbed of their bikes as they walked home from school in areas including Orford, Latchford, Birchwood and Old Hall in recent weeks.

Two teenagers had their bicycles taken by a pair of offenders wearing balaclavas on Cromwell Avenue shortly after 3pm on January 21, with one of the victims being kicked by their attackers.

A 12-year-old was then attacked on the footpath between Brock Road and Dewhurst Road shortly after 3pm on February 3, with two teenagers taking his mountain bike and punching him in the head.

Masked robbers targeted a teen on Brickfields Park at 4.30pm the same day.

And two more schoolboys were cycling home from school on Mersey Walk at around 3.15pm on February 4 when they were chased by two men and attacked.