A 12-year-old has been violently assaulted and threatened with a knife after an attempted robbery in Wandsworth.

The 12-year-old and his friend were approached by a suspect in the SW11 area on July 4, 2022.

According to police, a 16-year-old allegedly stole items from the 12-year-old.

The young victim also received stab threats and was violently assaulted by a suspect.

Police say a bystander restrained the suspect after he heard the 12-year-old shout for help.

The suspect bit the bystander whilst being restrained and allegedly discarded a kitchen knife.

Police officers soon arrived on the scene and arrested the suspect.

The suspect is set to be charged.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Sentencing has not happened yet - When we get the update on punishment, we will try and keep you informed.

“Last week a young suspect, 16, was attempting to steal from a 12 year old child and his friend in SW11.

“He violently assaulted the victim and threatened to stab him whilst robbing him of his property.

“The child victim shouted for help and a passerby, hearing this answered the call and detained the suspect.

“Seen to discard a kitchen knife, the suspect bit at the member of the public who did an amazing job restraining him till we arrived.

“PCs Warburton and Bacchus of ERPT C East arrived and arrested the suspect.

“But due to the ages of both the suspect and victim, the continued investigation proved difficult for this stages, but persistence won out due to a concerted effort by BRIT officers PC Burdon, PC Voong, PC Hadaway and TDC White who ensured that all available lines of enquiry were pursued to gather further evidence.

“The youth suspect will be charged and face the consequences of his actions.

“Hopefully, we can assist both young people get through this incident.

“We are offering support to the victim and the suspect so that this crime does not influence their lives going forward.”