A female hospital staff worker in her 20s was threatened by a man with a knife as she returned to her car in the early hours of this morning (Sunday) on the Crumlin Road, in Belfast.
Although she was not physically hurt, the sleeve of her jacket was ripped by the knife during the attempted hijacking at Fleetwood Street.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the incident which happened just after midnight.
Detective Sergeant McPhillips said that as the woman approached the car, a man ran towards her, so she attempted to get into the vehicle and lock the doors.
“However, he grabbed the door handle before she was able to do so, swore at her and told her to get out of the vehicle.
“She fought back against the assailant who then pulled a knife which is described as being six to seven inches in length.
“He threatened her and caught her arm with the knife, ripping the sleeve of her jacket. The woman, who is in her 20s, then ran back towards the hospital to raise the alarm.
“Although she was not physically injured in the incident, she was left very shocked by what happened,” said Detective Sergeant McPhillips.
Her attacker is described as being 5ft 5” in height and of skinny build. He was wearing a dark-coloured hat or hood. He was also wearing a dark tracksuit with stripes along the arms of the top. He wasn’t wearing gloves, was clean-shaven with some stubble and spoke with a Belfast accent.
“This was a frightening episode for this woman to experience as she finished a hospital shift helping others and we are appealing to the public for help,” added Detective Sergeant McPhillips.
Police believe the man left Fleetwood Street and made his way up the Antrim Road to the Vicinage Park area where he was picked up by a silver-coloured car.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of the Crumlin Road, Fleetwood Street or nearby Vicinage Park between midnight and 12.45am and saw any suspicious activity or a male fitting this description to get in touch with us immediately on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 31 of 30/12/18,” added Detective Sergeant McPhillips.
Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.