A WOMAN was held at knifepoint and threatened that her throat would be cut as she was robbed in a terrifying episode in Northwich last week.

The incident happened on Saturday night in Chapel Street, Wincham, as the woman was walking alone along the canal path.

At some point between 7.45pm and 8.15pm, the 29-year-old woman was grabbed from behind by a man.

As he held her arms and chest with one arm, he held a sharp object, which police say was a knife, in his other hand.

He held it to her throat and threatened her, saying 'If you scream, I'll cut your throat', among other threats before stealing £80 from her handbag.

The woman was not injured but the attack left her severely shaken and distressed.

Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the offender before or after the attack.

They have issued a description of the suspect, who is described as between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in tall and wearing dark trousers and a dark, three-quarter length jacket at the time of the attack.

Anybody with any information or who was around the area at the time of the incident is urged to get in touch with police at Northwich on 01606 48000 or in confidence on the Crimestoppers hotline, 0800 555 111.