TWO men threatened to stab a cyclist before stealing his bike, phone and cash and leaving him with serious injuries.

Police say the attack happened between 6pm and 6.30pm on Thursday in Runcorn.

A 21-year-old was cycling along Murdishaw Avenue near to Dover Close and Falmouth Close when two men blocked his path.

One of them punched him in the back of his head, forcing him to fall off his bike.

The offenders then kicked and punched the victim while he was on the floor and demanded his coat.

One of them threatened to stab the victim.

Police said after stealing a number of items from him, including his coat, his bike, his mobile phone and some cash, the offenders fled in an unknown direction.

The victim has been left with serious facial injuries and is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

The offenders are described as white aged in their early 20s. They were both wearing all dark clothing.

One of them was around 6ft 2ins tall with blonde hair that was quite short and scruffy.

The other offender was shorter and had a black snood covering his face.

The bike that they stole is a white Cube AMS 100 2013 with blue forks at the front and red ones at the back.

The phone they took is a Samsung S8.

Enquiries are ongoing and detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or believes they may have seen the offenders in the area or know their identities to get in touch.

They are also keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the offenders or information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen bike or phone.

DC Dan Williams said: “The victim was subjected to a vicious and sustained assault and has been left with serious facial injuries.

“He is currently receiving treatment in hospital and we are determined to catch the two men responsible and bring them to justice.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and I urge anyone with any information that may help our investigation, no matter how small, to come forward.

“If you were in the area around the time and saw anything that may be relevant, or if you think you may know who the offenders are, please get in touch.

“The same goes for anyone who believes they may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the offenders or information regarding the stolen white Cube bicycle or the stolen Samsung mobile phone.”

Anyone with information that may help with the investigation should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 242297, give the details cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To submit dashcam footage go online at cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.

DC Williams added: “I would like to reassure residents that this appears to be an isolated incident and the police presence in the area has been increased.

“Anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer.”