A MOTHER is warning youngsters to be vigilant after her 12-year-old son was mugged by a masked teenager in broad daylight.

The robbery in Ridgeway Park left Michelle Boast’s son Luke badly shaken and she wants the incident to serve as a warning to young people and their parents.

The Heathcote School pupil was enjoying a kickabout with a group of friends on July 1 when he visited the public toilet at around 3pm.

A robber wearing a dark hooded top and a white bandana with stars on it over his face followed and threatened him, before snatching his bag containing money, keys and a mobile phone.

Miss Boast, 37, of Westward Road, Chingford, said: “Luckily he wasn’t hurt but he is still very shaken by the whole experience.

“He is having nightmares and says he can still see his (the mugger’s) face.

“Luke said his phone had all his photos on it and a video of his cousin playing at a football tournament.”

He was driven around in an unmarked police car after the robbery but there was no trace of the mugger.

Miss Boast said she was picking her youngest son, Jack, up from Ainslie Wood Primary School when she heard what had happened.

She praised Luke’s friends for keeping her informed and for the support they have shown since.

Miss Boast said the police advised her son not to carry a bag as thieves might think it contains valuables.

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called at about 3.10pm and that the suspect made off towards Endlebury Road.

She said: "Endlebury Safer Neighbourhood Team are conducting regular patrols on bikes, on foot and in plain clothes in and around the park area."

Anyone with information can contact Endlebury SNT on 0208 721 2650 or CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555 111.