COMMUNITY leaders have spoken of their shock after teenage boys were robbed at knifepoint but insist 'Battenhall is safe'.

Two teenage boys were robbed in Battenhall Park in Worcester on Tuesday (February 14), prompting police to step up patrols and request CCTV as they launch a manhunt to find the attackers. 

The boys were approached by two unknown males who assaulted them and held a knife to their throats and made them both hand over their phones.

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However, the attack on the 14-year-old boys at around 9.40pm has prompted Green councillors for Battenhall to criticise the police and crime commissioner (PCC) over police numbers.

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But PCC John Campion hit back, calling the criticism 'political point scoring' and saying policing numbers had increased.  

Cllr Tom Piotrowski, one of the Battenhall councillors, said: "We genuinely hope that two young lads who were victims are receiving all necessary support."

Worcester News: CONCERNS: Battenhall Park in Worcester, scene of the robbery CONCERNS: Battenhall Park in Worcester, scene of the robbery (Image: Newsquest)

In a joint statement, the Battenhall ward councillors, cllr Piotrowski and Louis Stephen said: "The message we'd like to convey is that these kinds of events are, thankfully, very uncharacteristic for Battenhall. Our ward remains a safe and enjoyable place to live.

"Our main message is to report suspicious activity directly to the police.

"I'd also welcome reassurances about support for the two young victims who must be shaken by what has happened to them.

"However, we do have concerns as to the effect of reduced police numbers in the past on how effective (or ineffective in some cases) policing has become."

The councillors cited a Freedom of Information request from August last year, adding 'the numbers speak for themselves'.

Figures show the headcount for officers declined from 2,398 in 2010 to 1,965 by 2014 before increasing to 2,087 by 2016, slumping to 1,980 by 2018 and rising again to 2,363 by 2022.

They said: "It takes time to rebuild policing capability after its significant reduction that took place due to austerity cuts over the last decade or so. Our SNT is below its full staffing capacity at the moment."

PCC John Campion said he is focused on keeping the communities of West Mercia and Worcester safe rather than political point-scoring.

“Since I was elected in 2016, I have brought officer numbers to the highest establishment figure on record for West Mercia, 2,496.

"I have continued to focus on what the public want – a visible and accessible, efficient and effective police force.”

Chief Inspector Brian Gibbs, Safer Neighbourhood Team South Worcestershire, said ithere has been an incremental increase in officer numbers following the PCC commitment to the uplift program.

"Assessment has been undertaken in regards to demand and resourcing and, on this occasion, we were at our preferred staffing levels."

He added that they were currently recruiting for vacant Safer Neighbourhood roles.”