Knifeman robs woman as she gets into car

Nov 9 2009 By Mark Goode

The mugger struck in De Havilland Way, Stanwell, on November 5

A MUGGER threatened a woman at knifepoint while she got into her car on November 5.

The incident happened outside Wessex Court, in De Havilland Way, Stanwell when the 24-year-old woman was getting into her car at around 7.30pm.

The victim, who is from Staines, was talking on her mobile phone when she was approached by the suspect.

The man opened the driver's door and threatened her with a knife, which led to the victim handing over a blue Nokia mobile phone, and a silver handbag containing £100 and toiletries.

He then fled on foot in the direction of a green in Wessex Court.

Detective constable Nick Beer, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was clearly a concerning incident where a young woman has been targeted by a cowardly offender.

"Fortunately the victim was not injured during the incident but this was obviously a very upsetting ordeal which has left her scared and shaken."

The suspect is described as a tall black man in his early 30s, with muscular build, short hair, who spoke in a southern accent and was wearing a long smart jacket.

Following the incident, police officers have carried out house to house enquiries, and are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage in the area.

Scene of crime officers also attended the scene and took away a number of items for forensic analysis, and the police have released a computer generated image of the man believed to mugged the woman.

DC Beer said: "I would like to speak to anyone who thinks they recognise the e-fit image or who was in or around the Wessex Court area on Thursday evening.

"Although it would have been dark at the time of the offence, this is a busy residential area so I feel sure that someone must have seen or heard something out of the ordinary."

DC Beer added they would like to hear from people who saw where the offender ran to, and said that the police are working hard to bring the mugger to justice.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or with any information should contact DC Beer at Staines CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference SL/09/9027, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.