A boy has been left "distressed" after he was robbed of his electric bike by a masked gang who threatened him with a knife.

Police were called when the teenager was held at knifepoint near Broadstairs railway station and the group wearing balaclavas stole the orange Voodoo Bizanga e-bike he was riding.

His mum, Melanie Cheeseman, told KentOnline: "He was visibly distressed - eyes wide and just stunned.

"He has definitely had a shock, and only time will tell if it has traumatised him."

Despite the violent altercation, the boy has been "putting on a brave face".

But the robbery of her 16-year-old son has "terrified" his mother.

The 43-year-old from Ramsgate said: "First of all, I didn't quite believe it, but as it sunk in I was filled with dread - mainly as I was thinking of the worst case scenario.

"Now I am terrified about him going out.

"But I'm glad he wasn't hurt - the bike can be replaced but my son can't."

Last week, police made four arrests after a taxi driver was stabbed and a man was knifed in a fight at a kebab shop in Ramsgate.

"There is a lot of knife crime in Ramsgate and Thanet right now," said Ms Cheeseman.

"It horrifies me and I am worried about all the teens and young people innocently going about their lifestyle, trying to enjoy being young.

"For a group of wannabe gangsters to terrify another person by threatening their life is just not acceptable - it never has been and never will be."

The incident happened on Tuesday at about 7.25pm in Lloyd Road, and police are urging anyone who is offered the bike for sale to get in contact.

A police spokesman said officers attended and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Anyone with information, or who has been offered the bike for sale, is urged to call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/56574/23 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.