Appeal launched to track down Hartford robbers (From Northwich Guardian)

Appeal launched to track down Hartford robbers

8:30am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

DETECTIVES have launched an appeal to help locate three youths responsible for a robbery at Hartford rail station.

Shortly after 9pm on September 13, a 35-year-old man from Runcorn was waiting at the Liverpool-bound platform when he was approached by three young men who arrived at the station in a dark blue people carrier or hatchback style car.

The men surrounded the victim before punching him and threatening him with what is believed to have been a knife.

They also demanded cash and valuables. Fearing for his safety, the victim handed over his Samsung mobile phone and £10 in cash.

The offenders then ran back to their car and drove from the station leaving the victim uninjured but extremely shaken.

Det Con Mark Douglas of British Transport Police said: “This appears to have been an unprovoked and random attack on a man who was simply trying to make his way home.

“We are working to locate those responsible but I am appealing to the public for assistance.”

Two of the offenders are described as being aged between 18 and 23, about 5ft and of slim build.

One hand short dark hair and was wearing a knee length blue or green Parka-style coat, while the other was wearing a red t-shirt.

The third offender was about 25-years-old, 5ft 10 and stocky. He is said to have been wearing a white t-shirt with a black stripe.

All three spoke with local accents.

If you have any information about the incident, or recognise the men described, please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.