A GANG of knife-wielding youths are terrorising schoolchildren in Woodford Green - with many of their crimes going unreported because of intimidation tactics, it has been claimed.

Concerned mum-of-three Pat Ilett, of Thornwood Close in South Woodford, said the group have been targeting pupils walking in the Woodford Green and Woodford Bridge area, snatching mobile phones, laptops and other valuables.

"The children and parents are not informing the police," said Mrs Ilett. "In the few times things have gone to court they use intimidation and get away with it.

"They seem to be pin-pointing the children from West Hatch and the Catholic schools. And they have this attitude that if they try and rob you and you have an old mobile phone, they just say they don't want it.

"It's very serious. We've had knives being held to people's throats. We need some more police on the streets."

Officers at Church End Safer Neighbourhood Team have promised to investigate Mrs Ilett's claims.

Have you been a victim of this gang? Email us at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk