Detectives were today hunting a robber who "viciously" stabbed a pensioner in Clacton.

The 80-year-old man suffered a knife wound to his left upper thigh during the attempted robbery at 1.10am yesterday.

He had been walking along St Osyth Road with a woman friend when the attack happened.

They had been out for the night and were on their way to a friend's house.

A balaclava-clad man approached the couple from behind and pulled a knife on them, demanding the woman hand over her handbag.

The elderly man, who lives in Clacton, turned to face the robber and was held at knifepoint.

The pensioner's throat was cut slightly from where the knife was pressed against it.

He was then stabbed in the leg, causing a puncture wound between 2cm and 3cm (an inch) long.

The robber fled empty-handed.

The robber was described as black, wearing a balaclava and dark clothes, 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build. Any witnesses should contact DC Bamfield, at Clacton police, on 01255 221312.

Published Friday January 2, 2004

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