A 14-year-old was robbed at knifepoint in Dagenham on Saturday.
The boy was walking down Gorse Way when he was approached by a group of males, who threatened him with a knife and took his phone.
When the teenager called for help, the men gave him back his phone and he took the chance to escape.
They began to chase him, but the boy was rescued by a member of the public who drove him to safety in their car.
The suspect who carried the knife was described as a black male, approximately 16-years-old, wearing black clothes and a bandana.
Detective Superintendent Neil Matthews from the East Area Command Unit said: “This was a violent and brazen attack on a young boy.
“Thankfully a brave member of the public saw the victim running away and took him to safety.”
Police were called shortly after 6pm, and are now appealing for information about the robbery.
Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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