Appeal following attempted knifepoint robbery in Runcorn

Detectives are appealing for information from members of the public following an attempted knifepoint robbery in Runcorn.

The incident occurred on a pathway between the Lidl and Asda supermarkets off West Lane at around 3pm on Friday 9 April.

As he walked towards Asda the victim was accosted by a man who had jogged towards him from that supermarket’s car park.

The offender brandished a knife and demanded money from the victim, a man from Runcorn in his 40s.

When the victim refused to comply, the offender slashed his hand, causing a minor injury.

The victim then ran off to the Asda store.

The offender ran away along West Lane in the direction of the McDonald’s fast food restaurant and the Trident retail and leisure park.

He is described as black and looked to be around 60 years old and approximately 6’ 2” tall. He had a stocky build, short black hair with a bald patch in the middle and a distinctive blue tattoo on his left bicep.

The offender was wearing a T-shirt, jogging bottoms, trainers and a baseball cap, all of which were black. He was also carrying a black rucksack.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with any information or footage that may aid their investigation to get in touch.

Detective Constable Beth Colbourne, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “As well as a cut hand, this frightening incident has understandably left the victim extremely shaken up.

“I would like to reassure Runcorn residents that it is believed to be an isolated incident and we are doing all we can to establish the identity of the offender and bring him to justice.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone who was in the area and saw anything that may be relevant to our investigation to contact us at Runcorn Police Station.

“The same goes for anyone who thinks they may know who the offender is, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of him.”

Anyone with information or footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 959598, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.