A WOMAN had a knife held to her throat by a robber in the street.

The 27-year-old victim was walking alone in Daneshouse, Burnley, when she was approached by the man who threatened her and demanded her mobile phone. Councillors said the attack had left residents living nearby ‘very, very afraid’ and reluctant to go outside.

The robbery happened as the woman walked in an alley at the back of Abel Street, close to the junction with Violet Street.

The man demanded she hand over her phone, but when she refused, he snatched the Samsung S3 mini from her.

He then ran off in the direction of New Hall Street.

The victim was left with a cut to her neck but did not require medical treatment.

Coun Saeed Chaudhary, who represents the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, said the attack had left residents worried about going out.

“It is dangerous and the community and the people living in that area will be very, very afraid and reluctant to go outside.

“This is ridiculous and very, very sad.

“For the people living in that area, it is very, very concerning.

“Even at night it is a mostly peaceful area and it is mostly Asian people living there.

“But even at night and if you are alone, you should be able to walk and not be afraid.

“People must be terrified.”

Coun Shah Hussain, from the same ward, said he would be frightened to let family members walk alone at night.

He said: “I have got daughters and as a parent, I would be reluctant to send them out.

“It is quite concerning.

“We want the police to have more of a presence within the area to ensure people can go about their activities in a safe manner.”

Mohammad Hussain, manager at the Kashmir Watan Food Store, in Abel Street, said: “It is very shocking to hear about this robbery.

“This is the first time I have heard about something like this happening around here.

“I always look over my shoulder when I am out, but maybe I will do it even more now.”

An investigation into the attack, which happened shortly after 11pm on Thursday has been launched and detectives are appealing for anybody with information to come forward.

The suspect was described as being a local man, 6ft tall and medium build. He was wearing a dark coloured waterproof coat.

DC Dave Walker, from Burnley CID, said police were intending to visit the victim again yesterday (MON) evening and that she was ‘doing ok’.

He said: “I would appeal to any witnesses who may have any information in relation to this matter to contact me, DC Dave Walker or DC Matt McGuiness at Burnley CID on 01282 472242 or 101.”

Anybody with information can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.