Police in Basildon have appealed for a dog walker to help them in their search for a knife-wielding robber.

The thug threatened a 65-year-old woman with the blade as she walked along Timberlog Lane on Wednesday morning. He fled empty-handed after the woman refused to hand over her purse.

A police spokeswoman said: "A boy walking his dog came over to help the woman. We would like to contact him."

The robber was described as aged 15 or 16 and stocky build. He was described as mixed race, about 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in tall. He was wearing an orange jacket, with a hood pulled up over his head and dark trousers.

Anyone with information on the attempted robbery should call Basildon CID on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Monday, April 8, 2002