A family have been left ‘overwhelmed’ after members of the community launched a public fundraiser after their son was robbed last week.

Tyler Swain, 13, was left shaken after being robbed by a group of ‘seven to eight’ youths at around 7.05 pm on Crown Road, on July 19.

The 13-year-old was approached by the large group wearing balaclavas on his way home from Collingwood Park.

Police were called after the group smashed Tyler’s phone and took off after stealing his bike and bag.

See more: Boy, 13, robbed by large gang of youths at Halfords car park in Sutton

His mother, Louise Hunt said: “My son was coming home from the park and was stopped by a gang of lads on bikes.

“It’s traumatic and he is very upset understandably.”

After posting the robbery on social media, members of the community launched a fundraising page which saw donations soar within a matter of hours.

Louise Hunt added: “We are overwhelmed by the amount of money already raised in such a short time.

“In this time of such uncertainty, with people not being able to work due to the pandemic.

Your Local Guardian:

It is amazing how the community have dug so deep to support Tyler in this way.

“He will be using the money to buy a new bike but is not sure which one he will choose yet.

“The remaining money will be used to replace some of the other things that were stolen.

“Including, his watch and the Bluetooth speaker that was in his rucksack.

“Also, he is thinking about buying a tracker to put on the new bike.

“There aren’t enough words to express the gratitude we feel to all the people who have so kindly donated.

Donations were left alongside kind messages from community members which read: “Hope this goes some way to restoring your faith in people.”

Another person said: “Happy to donate, I hope your son gets the things he had stolen replaced with all the donations.

I hope he recovers from his horrible ordeal, there are some really horrible people out there.”

There have been no arrests at this time, enquiries continue.

Any witnesses or those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 7373/ 19 July.

Donations reached £715 at the time of publishing.

To donate, visit at Fundraise for Tyler