Four boys aged between 12 and 16 have been arrested after a man was assaulted and robbed in East London late on Saturday night.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to Station Parade in Barking around 11.30pm on March 22, following reports of an attack. A 23-year-old man suffered minor injuries during the incident and also had his mobile phone stolen.

Police swiftly arrived at the scene and arrested four boys – a 14-year-old from Enfield, a 16-year-old from East Ham, and two from Havering, aged 12 and 16 – on suspicion of robbery and assault.

A police spokesperson told MyLondon: “Around 23:30hrs on Saturday, 22 March, police responded following reports that a man had been assaulted in Station Parade, Barking. The victim, a 23-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and had his phone stolen.”

“All four boys were arrested at the scene on suspicion of robbery and assault and have since been released on bail while further investigations continue.”

The incident has raised community concerns about rising youth involvement in violent crime, particularly in busy areas like Barking’s transport hubs. Station Parade, which runs alongside Barking Underground and Overground station, is a well-trafficked location, often busy even late into the evening.

No further information has yet been released about court proceedings or whether any additional suspects are being sought.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.