Tavistock teenager fights off man with knife

Police are appealing for information from witnesses and medical staff after a teenage boy was threatened by a man with a knife in Tavistock.

The incident happened on Wednesday 25 September shortly after 9pm on a stony path off Watts Road, which runs over the old railway track.

The 16-year-old victim from Tavistock was approached by a man who demanded his belongings.

The suspect threatened him with a knife and the victim may have injured the offender in his attempts to protect and defend himself, having kicked the offender in the groin.

The suspect fled the scene along the path which leads onto Old Launceston Road and may have subsequently sought medical treatment.

He is described as a white man, approximately 6ft tall, of slim build, wearing a dark coloured hoody and a pair of dark tracksuit bottoms with a single white line down the outside of each leg. His wore his hood up with a baseball cap underneath.

DC Jason Bryant from the Plymouth investigation team, said: “We would like to speak to staff from local hospitals or medical drop-in centres who may have treated a man matching the description with a groin injury.

“Fortunately the victim sustained only superficial injuries.”

This is the second time the teenager has been attacked and it is believed the same offender may be responsible.

The victim was previously pulled to the ground in an attempt to steal his bag. A distinctive black football referee top was stolen during this incident on 30 July 2013.

DC Bryant added: “Police have been patrolling the area and conducting house to house enquiries. We want to reassure the public that this is a rare incident and is out of character for the town. With the public’s help we hope we can find out who is responsible.”

Anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to call police on 101 quoting JT/13/1312, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.