A SCHOOL boy has reportedly been held-up at knifepoint by a person wearing a balaclava this morning. 

A 12-year-old teen on his way to school was threatened by a "young gentleman" armed with a penknife who demanded his bike. 

Passers-by are said to have come to his aid and the would-be robber fled into a car park in Cuckmere Lane. 

The headteacher of Redbridge Community School, Jason Ashley, has since published a warning letter to parents following the incident at around 8.20am today.

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In the correspondence seen by the Daily Echo, he states that a "member of the public" wearing a balaclava had been spotted riding a bike erratically in nearby Kendall Avenue. 

He later struck out at a car, breaking two lights. 

According to Mr Ashley's letter, school staff were abused by the masked assailant. 

In his letter, he states: "We are totally confident the assailant is not a student from Redbridge and at no time was the school building compromised. Over the years we have heavily invested in a 'ring of steel', with protective measures such as CCTV, anti-climb fences and secure entrances. 

He adds: "I do not wish to worry or alarm you. But I would encourage you to be alert, report to us any issues and ensure that your son/daughter walks home in groups and arrangements are made for the collection of your child if they remain in school for clubs or revision."

The offender is believed to be between 15 and 16-years-old. 

He's described as white, of slim build and around 5ft 8ins tall.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "We will be conducting patrols at the school today, including during the end of the school day, and ask that parents speak to officers if they have any concerns.

"Do you have dashcam, mobile phone, CCTV or ring doorbell footage of the incident?

"Do you know who the boy is or where he may be?

"Anyone with information can report it to us via 101 or our website, or by calling 999 if a crime is in action."

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