A CHILD has been left traumatised after two teenage thugs threatened to stab him if he did not hand over his scooter.

Blake Burton, eight, was walking home from school with his mum Holly on Monday and scooted off ahead along Shakespeare Avenue, Southend.

Mrs Burton, 30, said: “The first thing I knew about it was when I saw two boys in St Thomas More uniforms cycle towards me laughing and looking behind.

“Once they had gone past me, I saw my son Blake crying his eyes out.

“He said the boys had stopped and told him to hand over his scooter.

“Blake said ‘no’ and then they said ‘give me your scooter or I’ll stab you’.

“I immediately tried speed walking back up the road but they were on bikes and had gone by then.

“They obviously thought it was hilarious to threaten a young boy on a scooter.

“When we got home Blake was in bits and I called the police.”

Blake has been left traumatised by the incident, which took place at about 3.30pm, and is scared to go out on his own.

Holly, of Gainsborough Drive, Southend, added: “He is still shaken and he’s been having nightmares, waking up in the night and he is very jumpy. He will be okay eventually.”

Holly has suggested the suspects looked about 13 or 14-years-old and said they were in school uniforms at the time.

She added: “It’s extremely worrying.

“I’m dreading Blake going to secondary school.

“I don’t even want him playing out the front of our home really anymore even though it’s in a relatively nice quiet area.

“You just don’t know who’s about and what would happen these days.

“Someone commented saying these lads have threatened a few other people and a friend of mine said someone had a bike stolen from a student recently.

“The police have been contacted and the school are aware of the situation.

“The boys were aged about 13 or 14. I know it’s not much to go by but I’m not letting this go.”

Police have confirmed they are investigating the matter.

Anyone with information is asked to contact them on 101 and quote the reference 42/55482/18.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

St Thomas More school, in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff, has been contacted for comment but did not respond.