I AM writing with regard to an article in The Press (Teen's £1,500 mountain bike stolen by gangs, January 16).

I do feel really sorry for the teenager who had his mountain bike, worth £1,500, stolen but I was absolutely disgusted that a York police spokeswoman stated that the gang made off down an alley in the direction of Bell Farm.

Since when have alleys off Malton Road led to Bell Farm? I have lived on the estate for 16 years and have bought my house.

It is bad publicity regarding our estate that really gets me mad. How on earth can the police spokeswoman presume in the direction of Bell Farm? Why not Huntington, the Groves, the Haxby Road area?

I do hope in future people think before they speak and stop assuming the worst.

Name and address supplied.