Harold Hill police are warning residents to beware of violent street crime this summer after two separate incidents in broad daylight.

The first occurred a week ago when a 21-year-old woman, walking across open ground near Bell Avenue, was confronted by a man who jumped out from behind some trees, wielding a six-inch knife.

He initially pointed it at the 'terrified' victim, and then at the ground, before she screamed and ran off.

The suspect is described as male, white, aged about 42 and was wearing dark jeans and a white T-shirt with a large multi-coloured motif in the centre.

Sgt. Mick Walford, of Harold Hill Police said: "At this stage we are still unclear what the motive was or why the man was there in the first place.

"I don't want to over-react but people, especially women, should be careful when walking alone. We would like to hear from anyone with any information about this as soon as possible."

In the second incident, a man had his wallet and mobile phone stolen during a terrifying robbery on the previous Friday.

The 32-year-old victim was walking along Masefield Crescent at 11am when he was approached by a car - believed to be a black Ford Escort - containing two men. The car stopped and the passenger got out and asked the man for his money.

He then held what is believed to be a knife to the victim's throat and took his phone and wallet before getting back in the vehicle, which drove off along Straight Road.

The driver of the car is described as male, white, aged 30 and 5ft 11in.

He had short black hair and was dressed all in black, with sunglasses.

His passenger was also a white male, 5ft 9in, aged about 25 with a thin build.

He had cropped blond hair and was wearing a white shirt and black trousers. Sgt Walford said: "This was quite an unusual robbery, and I appeal to any witnesses, or anybody who saw the car hanging around the area, to contact us immediately."

Anybody with information on either incident can call Harold Hill Police on 01708 779625.

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