A Christchurch mother says the city no longer feels safe after her 17 year old daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend were caught up in a violent robbery in Papanui last night.

Police Acting Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Ash Tabb told chrislynchmedia.com police were alerted to an incident on Langdons Road about 7.15pm, where two youths exited a vehicle and allegedly assaulted a man before taking his bag and leaving in the car.

He said the vehicle was tracked to Belfast, where its tyres were spiked.

“A pursuit was initiated but abandoned a short time later as the vehicle entered Redwood.

“It was found abandoned nearby and police tracked two alleged occupants to a nearby shopping centre, where they were taken into custody about 7.40pm.

The mother of one of the victims said her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend had taken a bus to Northlands and were walking near Kmart when a black car approached them and people inside yelled profanities.

She said they crossed the road to avoid the group, but the occupants approached them again.

“They started pushing and trying to trip my daughter’s boyfriend to get him on the ground, then struck him in the face with what looked like a large object and took his backpack and wallet.

“My daughter was dropped home by police traumatised. I had to sleep with her all night so she felt safe. What is happening that two teenagers can’t be safe at 7pm at night. I know her boyfriend is extremely shaken by this.”

Superintendent Tabb said one youth has been charged with assault with a blunt instrument, theft and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

Another has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop. Both are expected to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court this week.

“Enquiries are ongoing to locate other occupants from the vehicle.”

The mother said she was stunned the attack happened in a busy area before dark, where people would normally feel safe.