A MAN was threatened and robbed by a gang near Sandford Lock, Sandford-on-Thames.

At about 5.45pm on Saturday, an 18-year-old man was cycling across the meadow by the River Thames, between Kennington Railway Bridge and Sanford Lock, when he was approached by a group of six boys on three motorcycles.

They threatened him with violence and forced him to hand over his mobile phone and cigarette lighter.

The offenders were white, aged between 16 and 17. They were wearing tracksuit bottoms and hooded tops. All were wearing helmets, apart from one, who was between 5ft 8in and 5ft 9in tall, slim with a shaved, cropped blond hair.

PC Tony Lee, based at Abingdon police station, said: "I appeal to anyone who may have been walking along the River Thames between Sandford Lock and Iffley on Saturday and saw six youths of these descriptions to contact police immediately.

"The motorbikes are described as Pit Field' bikes, which were black and white, blue and white and yellow and red in colour.

"I appeal to anyone who may be able to help our investigation to get in touch."

Anyone with information that could assist police inquiries is urged to contact PC Lee via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to police and do not want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.