Woman's screams thwart robbery attempt

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a 29 year-old woman was the victim of an attempted robbery on Putney Heath Lane on Saturday, 9 June 2007 at 2.40am.

The woman was returning home on a route 85 bus towards Putney Heath and got off outside the Green Man public house.

She was talking on her mobile phone and had just walked past Brett House when she felt a shove from behind and a man reach over her chest to lunge at her phone. As she struggled, the man pulled out a knife and put it against her neck.

The woman screamed and struggled, scaring the man, who ran off towards Putney Hill.

Police arrived at the scene and the woman did not require medical attention.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 25-30 yrs-old, 6ft, of athletic build. He was wearing jeans and a black jacket.

Detective Constable Janine Byne, the investigating officer, said, “If you have any information then you must come forward and help us find this man. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

No one has been arrested and inquiries continue.

Anyone with information should call Wandsworth priority crime unit on 020 8247 8871 or make an anonymous report with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

June 22, 2007