A councillor has launched a crowdfunding campaign to replace a bicycle robbed from a Barking schoolboy as he rode it for the first time.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Zayn's bicycle was stolen hours after he rode it for the first time. Picture: LBBDZayn's bicycle was stolen hours after he rode it for the first time. Picture: LBBD (Image: LBBD)

Zayn Khan, 15, who lives in Upney Lane, saved up a year’s worth of pocket money to buy himself the new £200 mountain bike.

However whilst taking it for its maiden spin around Barking Park, he was targeted by a group of three men who threw him off his bike before punching and kicking him.

After reading about the robbery on the Post website Faruk Choudhury, who is Zayn’s councillor in Longbridge ward, has decided to step in and help him get a replacement.

He said: “When I heard what had happened to Zayn I was appalled and saddened. As a community we have to do something to help.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Zayn Khan was robbed in Barking Park. Pic: Ken MearsZayn Khan was robbed in Barking Park. Pic: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

“No one, young or old, should feel afraid to leave their home.”

To donate towards a replacement bike for Zayn, click here.