A PAIR of teenagers who punched, kicked and dragged a boy to the floor in a bid to steal his bike have been found and written the victim a letter of apology.

The two approached the victim - also a teenager - in Colchester High Street on Saturday, May 4.

They tried to take his bike and when he refused they attacked him.

The two youngsters made off without the bike and when the victim got home he told his parents what had happened and they called the police. After an Essex Police appeal at the weekend, two boys aged 13 and 14 were arrested.

The 13-year-old admitted assault, while the 14-year-old admitted assault and attempted theft.

Both were given a community resolution and paid £50 each in compensation. They also wrote a letter of apology to the victim. PC Mark Jones, of Colchester’s Local Policing Team, said: “Firstly, I’d like to praise the bravery and dignity of the victim in this case.

"He stood his ground when outnumbered by a group of strangers and was subject to a sustained assault for trying to protect his property.

"This shouldn’t happen to anyone, and he has shown immense courage in progressing this case.

“Secondly, I’d like to thank everyone who shared the social media appeal.

"Through the momentum it gained, we were able to trace the two boys responsible for this attack and seek the appropriate course of action.

“When young people commit crime for the first time, part of our role is to ensure that we find the best possible solution for everyone involved.

"The community resolutions in this case allowed us to acknowledge what the victim had gone through, whilst also putting in place rehabilitative and educational actions with those responsible to ensure they have the best chance of making better decisions going forward.

“I know that this has given the victim and his family some closure and, hopefully, it will ensure that we do not come into contact with these two individuals in the future.”