Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after two young men in balaclavas threatened a man walking from Royal Holloway University (where he works) towards Egham railway station through the Spring Rise estate.

The incident happened last Tuesday (11 July) between 4:00 and 4:30pm on Osbourne road, near the junction with Rusham road.

As the man walked along the street he was touched on the arm and looked up to see a man in a balaclava ahead of him. He turned to see who had touched his arm and saw a second man, also wearing a balaclava. When the second man went to pull a knife out of his top, the victim ran back up Osbourne Road, and the youths ran away.

The first male is described as possibly Asian, between 5 foot 4 inches and 5 foot 6 inches tall, slim, aged 14-15. He was wearing a blue long sleeve top, dark bottoms and a woollen black balaclava. The second male is described as taller (between 5 foot 7 inches and 5 foot 8 inches tall), slim, aged 14-15. He was wearing similar clothing.

DC Hannah Clarke, who is investigating the incident, said:

“This was obviously a frightening experience for the victim. Although he was not hurt, and nothing was taken, we are taking this incident very seriously and I want to trace these two men before they strike again.”

Anyone who saw the men in balaclavas, or has any other information that could help our investigation, is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference: 45170074921, or to use the online reporting tool adding the reference into the “other information” field. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.