Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a teenager was threatened during an attempted street robbery in Waller Lane, Caterham.

The incident happened at around 4.45pm on Wednesday, 6 January, when the 19-year-old victim was walking alone and he was approached by the suspect who demanded the victim’s valuables.

Nearby four men, who were fixing a car, saw what was happening so they approached the suspect who then left the area empty handed.

The suspect is described as a black man in his late teens or early 20s, around 5ft 11ins tall and of average build. He was wearing a dark hooded top which had a luminous green ‘Nike’ symbol and dark trousers.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ian Chadwick said: “Street robberies are rare in Caterham and even though nothing was stolen this was a distressing experience for the victim.

“I am keen to speak with the four men whose presence made the suspect think twice and run away. Was that you? Were you mending a car in Waller Lane, Caterham, last Wednesday and recall this incident? If you were one of these men, then I would encourage you to come forward as you may have vital information which could help us find the person responsible and bring him to justice.

“Surrey Police does not tolerate violence, or threats of violence, of any form and the victim was understandably left shaken by the experience. If you were in the area at the time, or have any information which could help my investigation, then please call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number TD/10/102.”