A gang robbed three children and threatened a boy of 12 with a knife before turning the violence on each other.
At 9.45pm on Saturday the kids were in Copster Hill Park near Hollins Road in Oldham when they were approached by three men wearing balaclavas or scarves.
The violent leader grabbed the boy and demanded his mobile phone while he held a knife to him.
He also hurled a girl to the floor and held the other victim against a fence, again demanding their phones.
It was at this point the clumsy gang began squabbling between each other, when a second member of the group told his friend to calm down.
The offender suddenly turned on him and stabbed his accomplice in the shoulder before all three fled.
Detective Constable Sam Blackwood based at Oldham Police Station said: “All three victims have been left traumatised following their ordeal.
“The aggression this one man showed against a group of defenceless children for their phones is shocking and what is more unbelievable is that it seems he turned on one of his own when he was told to stop using excessive force.”
The attackers are said to be white, in their late teens or early 20s, of skinny build and wore dark clothing.
DC Blackwood added: “I would ask anyone who may have been in the park at the time of the robbery and saw the group, either committing the crime or running away, to contact police.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8952 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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