A teenager and his pregnant girlfriend were today subjected to a terrifying ordeal when they were robbed at knifepoint by a gang on a train.

The couple - who are both from Harwich - were on the train travelling to Manningtree just after midnight.

They were approached by five youths. One put a knife up against the teenager's side and forced him to hand over his wallet. It contained about £150 in cash and his provisional driving licence.

The victim and his girlfriend who is six months pregnant got off the train at Manningtree but it is belived the gang remained on the train.

Insp Kevan Griggs of Clacton police said neither of the victims was injured but they had been shaken up by the incident.

"It is a pretty terrifying ordeal to be held up at knifepoint on a deserted train at midnight," he said.

Insp Griggs said that the two main suspects were both aged about 17 or 18 and were white.

One wore a cream Nike baseball cap and had blond hair while the other had dark brown hair and was wearing a black jacket.

Anyone who saw anything or could help officers trace those responsible to contact police on 01255 221312 or British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Friday December 28, 2001