Bike thugs attack and rob heritage volunteer

BATTERED and bruised, this is how motorbike riding yobs left a volunteer who challenged them as they tore up a village green.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY

Steve Lowe had just finished a day’s work at Cresswell Pele Tower, in Cresswell, Northumberland, when he noticed the trio riding around on the grass outside. And when he shouted at them to stop, the thugs turned on him, riding their bikes at him before hitting him over the head with a helmet.

Police are still hunting the attack-ers, who also stole money donated by visitors to the tower, a popular tourist attraction. Now, Steve has relived his ordeal as he told of his anger.

The 64-year-old said: “It was frightening. It wasn’t something I was expecting on a Sunday evening.

“It’s a tourist area, people are there for a nice day.

“They are just getting their kicks, they think they are invincible.”

Steve, who works as a volunteer co-ordinator and engagement offic-er, had just left the tower after a busy day for visitors when he noticed three youths on the village green outside. Two were riding what looked like e-scooters, while the other was on an off-road motorbike. Two wore balaclavas and the other a helmet.