Officers have appealed for witnesses after two people were reportedly mugged at knifepoint in Biggleswade within a week.

The first incident happened at the town’s railway station on Monday, June 18, at about midnight.

Two men pushed a victim into an alleyway and forced them to hand over cash at knifepoint, before slashing the tyres on the victim’s bike and making off.

The second mugging happened in South Walk on Thursday, June 21, just after midnight. A man was stopped by two men who told him to hand over money and a mobile phone.

One of the pair then pulled out what the victim thoguht was a knife, and threatened him. He was able to get away without anything being taken, but was left with some minor injuries as a result of the incident.

Sgt Rachael Welch, of the Beds police north rural community team, said: “These are obviously two very worrying incidents and we are continuing to investigate both cases.

“Knife crime is a priority for Bedfordshire Police and we’re keen to find the people who are responsible so they can’t target anyone else. As part of our investigation, we’re asking that anyone with any information comes forward.

“In the meantime please be vigilant when out and about. Avoid walking in remote areas, sticking to well-lit areas wherever possible. Carry handbags close to your body with the clasp facing inwards, and keep your mobile phone and other valuables out of sight.

“If you think someone is following you, go to the nearest busy area and call police.

Anyone with information should report it at bedfordshire.police.uk/report or call 101, giving the relevant crime reference number. The crime reference number for the railway station incident is 40/6193/18, and the number for the South Walk mugging is 40/6528/18.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you have been affected by crime, the Signpost Hub offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred. Call 0800 0282887 or see signpostforbedfordshire.com for more information.