Four teenagers arrested after knifepoint robbery which saw 66-year-old man pushed in canal

Victim was unable to swim and had to be helped out of water

Trent and Mersey Canal, near Middleport pottery (Google Maps)

Four teenage boys have been arrested after a man in his sixties was robbed and pushed into a canal in Stoke-on-Trent.

The 66-year-old was walking along the Trent and Mersey Canal, near Middleport pottery, around 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon when he was approached by four youths.

He was allegedly forced to hand over his money while being threatened at knifepoint.

As the man parted with the cash, another youth allegedly pushed him so hard in the chest that he tumbled into the canal.

A 12-year-old, two 14-year-olds, and a 15-year-old were arrested on suspicion of robbery on Monday, Staffordshire Police said.

“We have today arrested four males in relation to the knifepoint robbery where a 66-year-old man was pushed into the canal,” said Chief Inspector John Owen, commander of policing in Stoke-on-Trent North.

The victim, who is unable to swim, was helped out of the water shortly after falling and was taken to a nearby hospital.

It is thought he suffered only minor injuries, but he has been left shocked by the robbery.

“A 12-year-old, two 14-year-olds, and a 15-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of robbery. They all remain in police custody at this time,” said a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police.

“Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.”

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact 101 referring to incident 451 of December 1 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111