An 81-year-old man was stabbed by a robber who forced his car door open while he was trying to drive off, police revealed today.

The man was getting into his car in York Road, Southend, when the attacker pulled his car door open and demanded his car keys.

The victim refused, but the robber pulled out a knife and threatened him with it, shouting at him to hand over his money.

The terrified man took out his wallet, which was attached to his belt by a chain, and the robber grabbed it, breaking it in the process.

Once he had the wallet, which contained £100, he stabbed the man in the leg and ran off. The man was taken to hospital where the wound was treated.

The robber is described as aged between 17 to 20, white, 5ft 7in tall with a local accent.

He was wearing a white baseball cap and a dark-coloured jacket. The wallet was made of brown leather and worth £10.

The incident happened last Thursday, but police have only now released information. If you can help, contact Southend police on 01702 431212.

Published Monday, December 16, 2002