A 12-year-old was told "he would have his face smashed in" by a group of teens if he didn't hand over cash.

The youngster was at Rainham railway station yesterday on his way to visit friends in Gillingham when he remembered he had his mum's bank card.

On his way back, he was "cornered" by three older boys, thought to be around 15, and told to hand over any money he had.

His mother Cara Jeffery was left horrified when her son, who does not want to be named through fear of reprisal, ran back to the family home and told her what happened.

The NHS worker said: "He got passed the train crossing heading towards One Stop [in Station Road] and was cornered by three older boys who asked if he had any money and told him to hand it over.

"He refused to then had one of the boys get in his face and threaten if he didn't hand it over by the count of three they were going to smash his face in.

"As a parent it's horrifying." - Mum Cara Jeffery

"He handed over the money and ran home, looking back to make sure he wasn't being followed."

Mrs Jeffery's son was left shaken from the ordeal, but she is thankful he didn't try and stand his ground as "it could have been a whole different story".

The 36-year-old added: "As a parent it's horrifying, but I am definitely more angry that anyone would even consider mugging a 12-year-old boy of his pocket money.

"Especially as we moved to Rainham from Gillingham as it has become too dangerous and Rainham is so quiet.

"We have been here two years and never had a single issue."

Police spokesman James Walker said: "Police received a report a boy had been robbed by three older youths near Rainham train station at around 3pm on Saturday May 4.

"A small quantity of money is reported to have been snatched from his hand and no injuries have been reported.

"Officers attended the scene and conducted an area search but, at present, no suspects have been identified.

"Inquiries are ongoing."