Bus cameras capture knife robbers

This is the gang of hooded robbers which stormed a bus in Wolverhampton and threatened to stab schoolchildren as they stole their mobile phones.

The nine thugs marched up to the teenage boys before “boxing them in” and frisking them on the double-decker as it went through Heath Town and Wednesfield.

Police, who have stepped up patrols on the bus network in the city, today released this CCTV footage from the bus in an effort to track down the gang, who stole from three boys aged 14 or 15.

The drama unfolded when a group of at least nine thugs boarded a 559 National Express West Midlands bus travelling from Wolverhampton through Wednesfield.

They spent a few minutes on the bus before getting off when it reached Wednesfield Road, opposite Grove Street.

Police believe that they did not rob any passengers on that bus because there were so many other passengers on board.

But minutes later, they boarded another 559 on the opposite side of the road heading towards the city centre.

They went straight to the top deck and boxed in three boys. The thugs asked: “What have you got for me?”

One said: “Don’t lie to me, I’ve got knives, and I’ll stab you.” Two men can be seen on the footage “patting down” the young victims in a hunt for valuables.

After the thugs stole the phones, they got off the bus near Inkerman Street, Heath Town.

Detectives say the victims felt “fear and panic” during their ordeal, which happened at 7.30pm on December 18.

Dc Craig Newey, of Wednesfield police’s robbery team, said officers realised that people may be reluctant to name the thugs pictured but added: “If they do wish to give names and details anonymously, that’s not a problem.”

Detectives are also keen to speak to a youth on the second bus, pictured here, who tried to warn the victims that a gang was boarding their bus.

Anyone with information should call Wednesfield police on 0845 113 5000.