Three teenage Pokemon Go players have been robbed of their mobile phones at gunpoint in a north London park, Scotland Yard said.
The victims, aged 15, 16 and 18, were playing the popular game in Whittington Park in Holloway on Tuesday night when three male suspects - also in their teens - approached them.
One of the alleged robbers, believed to be a 16 to 17-year-old Asian youth referred to as Kushi, brandished a handgun while a fellow assailant demanded the victims hand over their devices, the Press Association reported.
The three victims gave their smartphones and left the scene “shocked” but unscathed, police said.
The attack came just 30 minutes after another armed robbery at the entrance to Whittington Park at 10pm, in which a 24-year-old man had a silver handgun pressed to his waist as three men demanded he hand over his possessions. He too left unharmed after being told to turn around and walk away.
Scotland Yard said they believe the incidents are linked as the suspect descriptions and methods used are “identical”, and both happened in close proximity.
Investigating officer PC Kevin Yeung said: “These were really shocking attacks on young people walking around a much-loved park.”
Appealing for witnesses, he said: “Were you in the area? Did you see anything?
“My team are keen to hear from anyone who can help lead us to the culprits. Robberies where a gun is shown or indicated are very rare and we are keen to apprehend those involved as soon as possible.”
The three suspects involved are described as follows:
- Suspect one: Asian male, believed to be aged 16 to 17; 5ft 6ins tall; referred to as “Kushi”. He was wearing a black zip-up jumper, black trousers and a black bandana covering his face.
- Suspect two: Asian male, believed to be aged 16 to 17; 5ft 8ins tall. He was wearing a dark grey puffer jacket.
- Suspect three: Asian male, believed to be aged 16. He was wearing a black zip-up jumper, black North Face gilet, and dark coloured trousers.
Anyone with information was asked to call Islington CID on 020 8345 0262 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.