Essex Police: Cyclists robbed at knifepoint in Colchester

September 21, 2012, 10:46 am

Detectives have appealed for information after two cyclists were robbed at knifepoint in separate incidents in Colchester.

Two male cyclists were confronted by a man holding a kitchen knife at Highwoods and near the Cowdray Centre.

The robberies took place within three days of each other and police believe they were carried out by the same man.

View full article on Crime And Justice

The first happened on a footpath between the Cowdray Centre and North Station at about 8.45pm on Monday, September 10, 2012 when a male cyclist was confronted by a man brandishing a kitchen knife.

The 34-year-old victim, who lives locally, was threatened with the knife and ordered to hand over a holdall and his mobile telephone. He was unharmed but badly shaken.

The second happened at about 8.10pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2012 on a footpath in Highwoods Country Park, near Thornton Drive.

A 42-year-old local man was cycling home from work when he was confronted by a man holding a kitchen knife. He was robbed of a Blackberry mobile phone, a wallet containing cards and also a wedding ring.

Investigating officer, Pc Natalie King, said: “We believe these robberies are linked because the robber lurks in dark areas and initially ordered both his victims to hand over wallets.

“The man is thought to be eastern European and is about 5ft 9in tall. He was wearing a hoody and some sort of mask over his face.

“We want to warn people to be on their guard when using footpaths in this area and also appeal to anyone with information about this man to call us immediately.”

Anyone who can help should contact Pc King or DC Trevor Clark at Colchester Target Offender Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111