A 13-year-old boy who had his bike stolen when he was accosted by an older boy has been given a brand new one by a couple of strangers who were moved to do something to help.

The Comet: Luis De-Vall, 13, with a new bike from Halfords in Stevenage given to him by Premium Artifical Grass owner Justin Brown to replace one which was stolen. Picture: Danny LooLuis De-Vall, 13, with a new bike from Halfords in Stevenage given to him by Premium Artifical Grass owner Justin Brown to replace one which was stolen. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Luis De-Vall, who lives in Stevenage, was at the Scarborough Avenue recreational area with three friends when it started to rain, so they took shelter in the underpass which goes under Gunnels Wood Road and leads to Brixham Close and Torquay Crescent.

His dad, Jason, explained: “He put his bike against the railings where he was standing and was chatting with his friends.

“There were two older boys – aged about 16 – in the underpass smoking, but Luis didn’t pay much attention to them.

“One of the boys walked over and said ‘oi big boy, I’m taking this bike’, and he got on it and rode off towards Torquay Crescent.

“The police were contacted straightaway and there were lots of cars looking for the bike, but Luis didn’t get a good look at the boys as they had hoodies on.

“Luis was shaken up and gutted this had happened, but I’m glad he just let the boy take the bike.”

Jason posted details of the theft on Facebook in the hope of getting the Carrera Valour mountain bike back, and it was shared more than 400 times.

Justin and Emma Brown, who run Premium Artifical Grass in Stevenage, saw Jason’s post and offered to buy Luis a brand new bike from the town’s Halfords store.

“Being a parent, I could relate to what had happened and we were in a position to help,” said Justin.

“It’s nice to do something good to counteract what happened.

“I met Luis and he’s a lovely boy – apart from the fact he supports Arsenal and I’m a Tottenham fan!

“He was ecstatic. It was a happy ending to a sad story.”

Jason added: “Justin and Emma have restored my faith in humankind. Luis loves his new bike.”

The theft happened at about 3.30pm on Saturday, January 28. Anyone with information should call Herts police on 101.