TWO young boys were left in shock when a teenager threatened to stab them during the middle of the day.

The 12-year-olds were at the skateboard park at Stonards Hill in Epping when two teenagers, about 16-years-old, approached them.

One of them, wearing a hodded top, grabbed hold of one of the boys and threatened to stab him with a knife.

Only a mobile phone was stolen during the incident which took place at around 2pm on May 16.

Arry West, 15 from Epping is a regular user of the skateboard park.

He said: "I think the two boys who did it came from a completely different area, in London somewhere. In every park there are muggings. It happens in other parks, but not around here.

"I knew the two boys who were mugged and they were scared at the time, obviously, but they know the people who did it don't come from around here.

"We have never had any problems up there before and I think it's quite safe. It wouldn't make me not use the skate park because it could happen anywhere."