The parents of a group youngsters mugged at knife point in Stockport have criticised police for their slow response.

The group of children, all aged 14, were standing on a field behind St Paul’s Church in Heaton Moor when they were mugged by three men wearing balaclavas at 8pm on Friday night.

The thugs threatened a boy and a girl in the group with a blade, and demanded all the children hand over their possessions.

The terrified youngsters dialled 999 but had to wait for more than hour before officers arrived.

One parent claims the children were told police were “too busy” to attend due to another ongoing incident.

The mum, who has asked to remain anonymous, said she was not contacted by police for more than four days after the mugging.

(Image: Sean Hansford)

She said: “I am not blaming the bobbies on the beat at all.

“I understand that there have been a lot of cuts to the police service and they do the best they can.

“But what can be considered more important than protecting children who have just had machetes held to their throats?

“I think it’s outrageous that they were told to wait at the scene when armed men were out there.

“My worry is that good kids could turn bad because they feel the police are not there for them.

“I worry they might start carrying knives to protect themselves on the streets.”

Five of children’s parents involved are understood to have complained to GMP, who have now apologised.

Det Insp Matt Hope, from Stockport North Neighbourhood police team, said: “It is unfortunate that due to another large scale emergency incident that evening police were unable to attend the scene immediately. However one of the victims was spoken to by police later that night and we are in the process of contacting all of those affected.

“We acknowledge that there have been some delays in speaking to some of the other victims and we apologise if this has caused distress to any of those involved or their families. Rest assured we are taking this case very seriously, and we are conducting a thorough investigation making it a priority to find those who are responsible.

“We would urge anyone who was present in the area at the time, or who has information as to identity of those responsible, to contact the Neighbourhood Police Team here at Fred Perry House on 0161 856 5902.

Alternatively, they can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, if they wish to remain anonymous.”