A HARDY 76-year-old man refused to hand over his car keys after two men threatened to stab him.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after two drivers were threatened by two men demanding their cars.

A 76-year-old man saw two men in the car park at The Centre, Greenstead, Colchester, at about 8.35am yesterday, Sunday May 14.

One demanded his car keys and threatened to stab him.

He refused to hand them over, got into his car and they walked off empty handed.

In the second incident, a 70-year-old man was parking his blue Hyundai ix20 in a garage in Veronica Walk, Greenstead, at about 8.40am when a man approached him and asked for the time.

After he told him, the suspect began walking away then suddenly turned back and jumped into the empty driver’s seat.

A second man followed behind and got into the passenger’s seat.

The victim challenged them and attempted to remove the keys from the ignition.

The first man pushed him away, threatened to stab him then drove the car away.

It was later found in Hintlesham, Suffolk.

Police believe the two incidents yesterday are linked.

No weapon was seen in either incident.

One of the suspects was described as white, of stocky build, aged in his 20s and about 5ft 8ins tall.

He had short, light brown hair and wore a red Adidas jacket with white stripes down the arm.

The second was white, about 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, and of slim to medium build.

He was aged in his 20s and wore a grey jacket or hooded top.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Colchester CID on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.