A WOMAN was left "in genuine fear" after a gang attempted to rob her at knife-point in a late night incident.

Between 10.15pm and 10.30pm on Wednesday (January 10), the 42 year old woman was walking along Garton Road, towards Woolston Railway Station, when she was approached by three men.

One man was reported as holding a knife and demanded that she handover her mobile phone and bank cards.

The woman called out to a passer by, a man, and shouted out for help.

This caused the men to run off, empty handed.

All three men have been described as white, slim and tall and wearing black clothing and balaclavas covering most of their faces.

Detective Constable Paul Beasley from the Western Investigations Team said: “This was a really frightening experience for the woman who was put in genuine fear when she was confronted and threatened by these men.

"I would advise people to be alert but not alarmed and stick to busy well-lit areas during the hours of darkness.  Report anything or anyone suspicious to 101 or 999.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who saw anyone matching the description of these in the Woolston area between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday night.  I am particularly interested in locating the man who was passing by that caused the men to leave the area. If this was you, please get in touch. 

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime number 44180012630.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org