Advertisement

Teen bitten on face after refusing to hand over Nike shoes

Police are searching for two men after a sickening attack on a 13-year-old boy at a Macquarie Park shopping centre on Sydney's north shore.

One of the men allegedly demanded the boy's shoes before biting him on the face.

Thirteen-year-old Deklan Manley was walking with his 11-year-old friend Maia Watene in the shopping centre on Monday afternoon around midday when they were allegedly accosted by two men, one of whom demanded Deklan's expensive Nike shoes.

Two men at Macquarie shopping centre allegedly approached a 13-year-old boy asking for his shoes. Source: 7 News
Two men at Macquarie shopping centre allegedly approached a 13-year-old boy asking for his shoes. Source: 7 News

When the boy refused, a scuffle broke out before a man appearing to be 18-20 years old allegedly bit the boy's cheek so hard it left a deep bruise and mashed the inside of his mouth.

Deklan Manley was bitten on the cheek in the alleged attack. Source: 7 News
Deklan Manley was bitten on the cheek in the alleged attack. Source: 7 News

Deklan told Seven News that he had "one choice ... I'd fight him or give him my shoes, and I just chose to stand up for myself."

Maia Watene said the man "had tattoos" and "looked like a rat."

Deklan now needs medical tests, including blood tests, to see if he has been infected with anything.

Deklan was shopping with his friend Maia Watene, 11, when the alleged attack occurred. Source: 7 News
Deklan was shopping with his friend Maia Watene, 11, when the alleged attack occurred. Source: 7 News

"Horrified to see that his face was in someone else's mouth and people [were] standing around, not doing a thing," Deklan's mother Jackie said.

Maia's mother Barbara said she was "shocked" after seeing video of the incident.

"I felt sick to my stomach and I wondered why no-one stepped in," she said.

"There were so many people there."

Deklan now needs tests to make sure he hasn't been infected with anything. Source: 7 News
Deklan now needs tests to make sure he hasn't been infected with anything. Source: 7 News

Both parents are furious that no-one thought to follow the men or ask if the two youngsters were OK.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.