Hunt for man and teen after boy threatened and another attacked as e-bikes stolen in West Lothian

A boy was attacked and another threatened during two e-bike thefts in West Lothian.

The first robbery happened around 8pm on May 5 on Greendykes Road in Broxburn.

A man got out of a white Ford Transit van and approached a boy before assaulting him and taking the bike. The boy was not injured.

The suspect is described as around 6ft tall, of slim build and was wearing a grey balaclava covering his face, grey/black long sleeve top and black work-style trousers.

The second incident occurred around 6.20pm on Tuesday on the footpath between Martin Brae and Fulmar Brae. A boy was approached and threatened before the bike was taken.

Police are searching for a white male youth, aged between 14 and 16 years old, around 5ft 8in tall and of slim build in connection.

He was wearing a black beanie hat with the letters YL on the front, a black balaclava, grey tracksuit, black trainers and black gloves. He spoke with a local accent.

Detectives do not believe the incidents are linked, however, officers are keeping an open mind.

Detective Inspector Lee Beaumont said: “While neither boy was injured, they were both left extremely shaken and I understand these incidents will be concerning for the community.

“I’d like to reassure the community that our enquiries are ongoing and I am asking anyone who witnessed these incidents, or who has any information, to come forward and speak to officers.”

DI Beaumont added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that the use of certain types of e-bikes on roads and public paths is not only illegal, but also dangerous with several people having suffered significant injury from falling or being involved in a crash. In addition, these types of bikes are being targeted to be used for criminality.

“Officers will continue to stop and seize illegally used e-bikes, and we would urge members of the public to only use those designed and intended for use on the road and not place themselves and others in danger.”

Those with information are urged to contact Police Scotland, quoting incident number 2856 for the incident on May 12 and 2811 for the incident on May 5.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.