lone schoolboy yesterday.

Health Store owner Joyce Roberts said she was getting ready to close her shop at 4.45 p.m. when the boy ran into the store followed by six other youths.

The boy was being hit and chased by the gang until she managed to get them to leave.

The Warwick Secondary student -- who was visibly upset by his ordeal -- asked to use the phone so he could get someone to help him.

She said he told her the other boys were from St. George's but he did not know who they were.

Ms Roberts said she thought the boys were all about 15-years-old.

While the boy was in the back of the store using the phone the gang came back into the shop, she continued.

They began to beat him again and refused to leave despite Ms Roberts pleas.

She said when she told the boys to get out, one of them replied: "Why should I?'' Ms Roberts said she eventually got the boys out of her shop but later noticed her wallet containing some cash, credit cards and her license had been taken.

"One of them must have taken advantage of the situation and took my wallet and ran,'' she said.

"It's just incredible -- the situation is getting out of hand. It's just awful how kids are behaving today.'' Last night a Police spokesman said the incident was not reported straight away.

He said officers were only called after Ms Roberts found her wallet was missing and when they responded the alleged offenders were nowhere to be found.