Elderly man had '˜knife held to throat' in Portsmouth attempted robbery
AN ELDERLY man had a knife held to his throat in an attempted robbery as he looked after his father.
Witnesses said the 63-year-old victim came running out of the public toilets in Derby Road, North End, Portsmouth, after he was approached by a man at about 11am.
The News understands the victim had to leave his elderly father in the block as he ran to the Spar opposite to get help.
A woman, who did not want to be named said: ‘He was shaken up but not injured, he was with his elderly father.’
A man, who also asked not to be named, added: ‘The bloke came in here asking to call the police.
‘A few people looked for the bloke and were calling for him.
‘He come out the toilets and put a knife outside his tracksuit bottoms.
‘A knife had been held to someone’s throat.’
Police said officers arrested a 42-year-old man after the incident.
A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: ‘It was reported that a man threatened another man with a knife.
‘When the man with the knife was challenged he ran off empty handed.
‘A short time later officers arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of robbery. He is currently in custody.’