A MAN was told he would be stabbed if he didn t hand over his mobile phone during an unprovoked and violent attack. The victim, aged 30, was assaulted by two teenagers, thought to be between 16 and 18, who stole his phone and just 30p in cash as he walk

A MAN was told he would be stabbed if he didn't hand over his mobile phone during an "unprovoked and violent" attack.

The victim, aged 30, was assaulted by two teenagers, thought to be between 16 and 18, who stole his phone and just 30p in cash as he walked to his girlfriend's home from the Asda store in Monkswood Way, Stevenage.

The thugs even stole a jar of Horlicks he had just bought from the supermarket.

He was approached by two youths wearing hoodies who asked him for the time. He got his phone out and told them the time and carried on walking.

He told The Comet: "They jumped me. I was shocked. There was a struggle and they said give us your phone or we will stab you.

"Then I saw a blade. It was about six inches long and an inch wide. I remember thinking it wasn't worth losing my life for."

One of the pair put their arm round the victim's throat and the other punched him a number of times in the head. He was also kicked and forced to the floor.

During the attack another two youths approached and watched.

The assault took place on Tuesday last week at 8.55pm on Six Hills Way.

He said: "I am gutted and in shock. I feel stupid. I shouldn't have got my phone out but that is the way they work."

The victim said: "There was a moped which came along and stopped for a while. Whoever it was saw what was happening. I guess he just didn't want to get involved."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Two men were captured on CCTV in the area shortly before the robbery took place and detectives are keen to speak to them.

DC Neil Davies, from the eastern area burglary and robbery unit, said: "The two men who were seen by CCTV operators are distinctive and certainly one of them made no attempt to disguise his face and should be very easily identifiable to anyone who knows him.

"This robbery was completely unprovoked and violent leaving the victim with injuries to his head. If you know who these men are then please contact me straight away."

A moped was also seen on CCTV being driven up Six Hills Way right after the robbery happened. Police are keen to trace the rider.

DC Davies added: "I believe that the moped rider is a significant witness to this robbery as he drove past just as it was coming to an end. If that was you riding the moped please come forward so we can find out what you saw."

Anyone with information should contact DC Davies on 01438 757043 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls will be treated in confidence.

AN armed robber struck at a village sub-post office on Tuesday.

A man went into the store in Town Lane, Benington, near Stevenage at 10am and threatened the female staff member with what is believed to have been a handgun.

He then left through the back door with a large sum of money.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 35 and 40, of medium build, unshaven and with brown eyes.

He was wearing a blue waist length padded jacket with an emblem on the left breast, light blue jeans, dirty white trainers, a black woolly hat and dark blue woolly gloves.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information.

DC Leonard Flashman from the eastern area burglary and robbery unit said: "I believe that this man left the store and made his way down country lanes before perhaps getting into a vehicle.

"If you were in the area at the time of the robbery and saw any unusual vehicles or a man matching the suspect's description I would like to speak to you."

He can be contacted on 01992 533520. Alternatively, call Crimestioppers on 0800 555 111.