Cyclist attempts to rob man at knifepoint in Telford

The 22-year-old victim was walking with his girlfriend on a path near a small field in Warrensway at 10.50pm when he was approached by a man on foot who threatened him with a small knife and ordered him to hand over his mobile phone.

A brief scuffle ensued and when the victim’s girlfriend ran off shouting for help the offender fled empty-handed. He was seen to get on to a dark coloured mountain bike and ride off in the direction of the Woodside perimeter road.

A few minutes earlier the man and his girlfriend had seen the offender riding close to them by the One Stop shop in Park Lane and it is thought he followed them to Warrensway via Wealdstone before getting off his bike.

The offender is a white man who appeared to be aged between 20 and 25, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5ft 10ins in height and with a thin build. He was wearing a grey or black hooded top with white stripes down the sleeves, black tracksuit bottoms and trainers. He had his hood pulled up during the incident.

Police have carried out house to house inquiries in the area and are also gathering CCTV footage.

Detective Constable Greg Stafford from the Malinsgate CID team said: “Fortunately no-one was injured but the couple involved were quite shaken up and it’s important we trace the offender as soon as possible.

“He may have been hanging around the One Stop shop for a while so if anyone saw him with his bike there or making his way to or from where this attempted robbery took place then we would like to hear from them.

“And if anyone knows who he is or based on the description has any thoughts on who he might be then please get in touch – the smallest detail could be important."

Detective Constable Stafford can be contacted at Malinsgate CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident reference 844-S-210514. Information may also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.