AN ANGRY York mother has called for the return of her son's beloved BMX, which was snatched by two teenage muggers.

Joanne Stewart said her 11-year-old son Carl was "gutted" when the £180 bike was taken from him.

She bought the bike as a present last Christmas.

Joanne, 34, said: "He was walking over Clifton Bridge and had stopped because his bike had a puncture.

"He was pushing it along when the two lads asked for a go. He said 'no', and they left him, but came back a minute later and snatched the bike.

"He was totally gutted, really upset. It really makes you wonder what things are coming to when you hear about something like this, two of them picking on a young lad like that."

Joanne, of Danebury Court, Acomb, said she hoped the bike might be returned.

She also wanted to warn other young bike users to be aware of possible risks.

She said: "I want other kids to know this has happened and that they should be careful. "Thankfully Carl didn't end up hurt, but the next one might."

The bike is a BMX Ruption. It was stolen between 4pm and 4.30pm last Saturday.

Anyone with information should ring the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 11:10 Thursday, March 14, 2002