POLICE are urging young cyclists to be on their guard after two 12-year-old boys had their bikes stolen -- one at knifepoint -- in separate incidents.

The first victim was playing in a park, off Railway Street, Great Harwood, at 7.45pm on Monday, with friends when two white boys, aged 13 to 14, produced a knife and demanded his bike.

One of the offenders was also on a bike and the pair rode off towards St Hubert's Road, after taking the bike, a man's Apollo XL ATB, worth £80.

Three quarters of an hour later a boy was riding his Barracuda mountain bike, worth £200, on Lower Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, about half a mile away, when he was assaulted by a youth aged around 15.

The victim was kicked and his white and red bike was taken from him.

The thief then rode off along a path towards Alan Ramsbottom Way, Great Harwood.

Both victims were shaken but unhurt.

Sergeant Andy Winters, of Great Harwood Police, said the incidents were not being linked at the moment.

But he added: "The boys are both fine, there were no serious injuries, they were just shaken up. We would like to warn children to be wary if they are out on their own on their bikes and anyone approaches them."