Man threatened with knife during attempted robbery in Hartlepool

Police are appealing for information after the 29-year-old man was threatened at knife point at the layby on the A179, near to the A19 in Hartlepool.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 17 at about 2.15pm when the victim pulled into the layby to take a phone call and noticed a man who appeared to be looking for help.

The male approached the victim’s car and spoke to him in broken English and asked him for petrol.

As the victim reached for his wallet, the male pulled a knife out of his pocket and attempted to steal the wallet.

The victim managed to accelerate away.

He was uninjured, but was shaken up.

The suspect is described as of Eastern European appearance with a bald, shaven head, stubble beard, aged around 40-years-old and around 5 ft 7” tall. He was wearing a navy blue tracksuit and he was stood near to a dark blue Vauxhall Zafira which possibly had a 52 registration plate.

Police would like any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the vehicle or the identity of the suspect to contact PC Peter Doherty on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.