Elderly man had '˜knife held to throat' in Portsmouth attempted robbery

Witnesses said the 63-year-old victim came running out of the public toilets in Derby Road, North End, Portsmouth, after he was approached by a man at about 11am.

The News understands the victim had to leave his elderly father in the block as he ran to the Spar opposite to get help.

A woman, who did not want to be named said: ‘He was shaken up but not injured, he was with his elderly father.’

A man, who also asked not to be named, added: ‘The bloke came in here asking to call the police.

‘A few people looked for the bloke and were calling for him.

‘He come out the toilets and put a knife outside his tracksuit bottoms.

‘A knife had been held to someone’s throat.’

Police said officers arrested a 42-year-old man after the incident.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: ‘It was reported that a man threatened another man with a knife.

‘When the man with the knife was challenged he ran off empty handed.

‘A short time later officers arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of robbery. He is currently in custody.’