ONLINE readers have admitted they would not step in to help stop a robbery after a mum-of-four branded shoppers cowards.

News Shopper's website was inundated with comments after Laura Davis blasted Woolwich shoppers for not helping her son who was robbed at knifepoint.

The attack happened as the 13-year-old was in a bustling Powis Street with two friends on December 2, at 3pm.

A group of teens demanded cash then fled with his phone after threatening him with a knife.

Miss Davis, of Wickham Lane, Abbey Wood, believes shoppers must have witnessed the robbery and was astonished nobody stepped in.

The 37-year-old outraged some website readers by saying: "They would rather let criminals walk all over them than be called a grass."

She also said: "It makes me mad because the attitude is if it's not affecting them, they ignore it."

One online reader, named MT, said: "No way would I interfere, knowing my luck I'd get done for putting my hands on the offenders while they got away scot-free."

Another called MD added: "I wouldn't jump in to help either. I know it's cowardly, but I've small children to consider."

And an unnamed friend of Miss Davis added: "I was on a bus and three youths tried to rob another at knifepoint.

"I reminded them they were on CCTV and I was going to call the police. They got off the bus and nobody got mugged."

Miss Davis said: "I'm glad the story got people talking.

"If more people stop to think, report something or help out then I am pleased I told his story."

Police have made no arrests and nobody has yet come forward with information about the incident.