A MOTHER wants security stepped up at the Link Centre after her teenage son was robbed there by a man believed to have been armed with a knife.

Mandy Hartley's 15-year-old son left the West Swindon leisure centre in tears after the incident, and is so shaken up that he hasn't been able to return.

Now she is worried that the robber could strike again.

The boy, who asked not to be identified, was playing snooker with two friends when he was approached by an older youth.

The youth, aged between 17 and 20, asked him a series of questions.

They then went into an empty corridor. The robber then asked the boy if he had any ID, and removed the boy's wallet from his back pocket, taking £20.

He then lifted up his left arm, and the boy saw what he believes was a knife hidden up the sleeve.

The boy said: "I could see a shiny blade. I couldn't scream because I was scared of what he would do, and there was no one else around.

"I just thought this is it, I'm going to be stabbed.

"He went to reach for it with his other hand, but I opened the door and went back into the pool room.

"He told me not to tell anyone what had happened."

The incident happened at around 3.30pm on December 2.

Mrs Hartley, of the Prinnels, said: "This has been very traumatic for him, and he is scared to go back to the centre.

"They need to improve security. The centre has excellent facilities, and it would be a shame if kids stopped using it because it was being targeted by thieves."

The centre, which was closed briefly last week because of a Legionnaires' Disease scare, is run by Swindon Council.

Spokeswoman Sarah Deacon said: "We have robust security measures which include patrolling duty staff who constantly monitor activities.

"We do operate an open access policy as we would like all Swindon residents to be able to come and enjoy the facilities.

"We would advise customers that if something criminal does happen that they report it to our duty team at reception and the police."

The incident is being investigated by the police.

The offender was white, 5ft tall and wore shabby black trousers and a green jacket.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "We appeal for anyone with information relating to the theft to get in touch."

Callers should contact PC Neil Bott at Swindon police on 01793 528111, log reference 266/021203.

Tamash Lal