POLICE are appealing for information following the attempted robbery of a teenager in Chafford Hundred.

A 16-year-old male was walking up the cycle path which leads to Saffron Road at about 1.40pm on Friday, January 31, when a man on a pink BMX approached him and asked for a cigarette.

The victim told him he did not have one and carried on walking.

The suspect then pulled out a knife and asked the victim for money. The victim told him he didn’t have any, and handed over his bag instead, but the robber did not take it.

They were then disturbed when a person walked round the corner and the suspect cycled off empty-handed.

The suspect is described as white, aged in his late teens, of average build, with dark brown hair and clean shaven. He was wearing a long dark grey padded jacket which was zipped up with the hood up over his head.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who recognises the description or who may have disposed of a pink bike, or had one stolen recently.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Grays CID on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.