AN APPEAL has been launched after an 11-year-old boy was robbed in an alleyway in Potters Bar.

The victim was walking with a friend, also 11, along Shrublands at about 5.30pm on Tuesday (November 3) when, as they got to the alleyway that leads to Elmfield Close, they were approached by a man from behind.

The man pushed one of the boys to the floor inside the alley and searched him before taking his rucksack, which had the victim’s phone in.

The victim then ran away and joined the other boy, who had also sprinted off.

The suspect is described as a white man, with short dark hair, wearing a grey hooded top.

Detective Sergeant Michael MacBeth, from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit, said: “Understandably, this was distressing for the victim so we are keen to trace anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area at the time or who knows anything about it to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.