Police patrols have been stepped up outside two of London’s most prestigious private schools in response to a spate of muggings.
At least six children under 16 reported having been robbed as they walked home through Dulwich village.
In two of the cases, which all happened between 4pm and 8pm on January 21, the victims reported their attacker was carrying a blade.
They include pupils at Dulwich College and nearby Alleyn’s, as well as children from the Kingsdale Foundation School.
The mother of a 13-year-old pupil at Kingsdale described how he was ambushed as he walked home.
The primary school teacher, 49, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “He ran into a Co-op and called his friend who lives nearby, then stayed with his friend. I’m just glad he did all the right things. It was such a shock. I’d never heard of this happening in Dulwich, especially to children in uniforms.”
Her son said: “This person was following me. He turned me around and reached into my pocket. I was confused. Then he said ‘Give me your phone’. He swung at me but missed. I ran down Ryedale Road and he chased after me. Then I saw some people and shouted ‘Help, I’m getting robbed.’”
His attacker, whom he described as a white male with ginger hair and a green jacket, fled.
In a joint statement, Dulwich College, Alleyn’s School and Kingsdale Foundation said: “Such crimes, particularly targeting children, are deplorable... We are working assiduously with local police, councillors, our local MP and Safer Routes to School to help ensure pupils walking to and from school are safe, and feel safe.”
A 17-year-old male was arrested and admitted two robberies and one attempted robbery.
