A PENSIONER was held at knifepoint by a would-be robber in Thatto Heath.

The crook grabbed the 67-year-old man from behind on St John Street, Thatto Heath, and is believed to have threatened the victim with a knife.

He went through the victim's pockets but fled after finding no money. Detective Constable John O'Neill said: "This is a cowardly act and I would appeal to any witnesses or anyone with information on this man to come forward and help us stop him threatening vulnerable people."

The offender is described as white, aged in his mid 20s, 6ft tall, of slim build.

He was wearing a waist-length black woollen coat with the hood pulled up. He spoke with a St Helens accent.

Witnesses to the incident which happened on Sunday, January 9, at about 8.30pm, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.