Surrey Police is investigating following an attempted armed robbery against a 25-year-old man in Caterham.

The incident occurred around 7.45pm on Wednesday, 20th March when the man was walking along Westway in the town and was approached by four youths who asked him for a cigarette.

One of the youths then held a knife to the victim's waist and demanded his property.

The victim managed to run away from the scene and lock himself in a cubicle of the men's public toilets nearby before calling the police.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jo Clarke from Reigate CID, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the man involved which left him visibly upset and shaken.

"Thankfully the victim was not injured during the attempted robbery and was able to free himself from the offenders before they were able to take any of his property.

"We have been carrying out a number of enquiries in the local area since the time of the offence and would appeal to anyone who has information to contact officers."

The offenders are described as black male youths, aged approximately 16-years-old, between 5ft 9ins and 6ft 2ins in height and spoke with a Croydon accent. They were wearing hooded tops which were pulled tight round their faces and light coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information on this offence is urged to contact officers on 101 quoting reference TD/13/1315 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.