Man threatened elderly woman with a knife in South Shields back lane during daylight robbery

An investigation into the robbery is ongoing after an ‘vulnerable’ woman was approached by a man she did not recognise in a back lane off Dean Road, South Shields, at 3.10pm on Monday, August 31.

The man – who was wearing a yellow face covering – threatened her with a knife before grabbing her bag and making off in the direction of West Park.

The victim was uninjured but shaken by the incident.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time – or who saw a man wearing a yellow face covering – to come forward.

Detective Constable Alison Hayhoe said: “This was an appalling incident that saw a vulnerable woman targeted as she was walking down the street.

“We are determined to make sure the person responsible is swiftly identified and appropriately dealt with – and I am now asking the community for their help in this investigation.

“The attacker is described as a man in his 20s, wearing dark-coloured joggers and a dark hoodie along with a yellow face covering.

“If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious, or think you may know the man in question, please get in touch as soon as possible.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will be using all tactics at our disposal to make sure the offender is brought to justice.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 658 310820.

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