Essex: Witness appeal after cyclists robbed at knifepoint

September 17, 2012, 3:33 pm

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

Officers believe that the robberies at Highwoods and near the Cowdray Centre were carried out by the same man.

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

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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 incident happened at about 8.10pm on Wednesday September 13 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