Runcorn man robbed at knifepoint (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Runcorn passenger attacked by knife gang

1:56pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A RUNCORN man was punched in the face and threatened with a knife by three robbers.

The 35-year-old passenger was at Hartford railway station, on his way home, waiting for a train, when three young men approached him.

The gang surrounded him and held him at knifepoint as they demanded cash and valuables.

The terrified victim handed over his phone and £10 in cash.

The offenders then ran back to a Renault car, and fled.

The man was not hurt but left extremely shaken.

Det Con Mark Douglas, of British Transport Police, said today: “This appears to have been an unprovoked and random attack on a man who was simply trying to make his way home.

“We are working to locate those responsible, but I am appealing to the public for assistance.”

Two of the offenders were aged between 18 and 23, around 5ft 6ins tall, and of skinny build. One had short dark hair and was wearing a knee length blue or green Parka-style coat.

All three spoke with local accents.

The incident happened on the Liverpool-bound platform, shortly after 9pm on Thursday, September 13.

The stolen phone was a Samsung touchscreen.

Anyone with information about this incident or recognise the offenders, please call British Transport Police on 0800 405060.