A KNIFEMAN held a three-inch blade at the throat of a female shopkeeper in a failed robbery bid in Blackpool.

At around 3.20pm on September 30 the man went into Santoshi's newsagents on Eaves Street and threatened the woman with the blade, demanding she open the till.

He then pushed the blade into her throat, but the plucky woman hit him over the head with a stick.

He then tried to pick up the till and run off before abandoning the robbery attempt and leaving.

He is described as 22-23, 5ft 8ins, slim to medium build short brown hair, long face, wearing dark Adidas jogging bottoms, a bright red woollen hat and a well-worn brown leather bomber jacket.

A CYCLIST grabbed and spat at an eleven year old boy before trying to make him disclose his address in Stanley Park last month.

The boy was grabbed by the man, who was riding a bike, on September 29 at around 4pm. The boy refused to tell him where he lived and the man, who had been seen jogging around the park earlier in the day, rode off toward the town centre.

He is described as early 40s, 6ft, stocky, brown curly hair tied in a ponytail, with a long neck and bulging adam's apple, bulging eyes and protruding bottom lip.

When he was jogging he was described as wearing a dark blue tracksuit and trainers and when he returned on the bike he was wearing a white shirt and dark trousers.

TWO men, one of whom was brandishing a knife, held up staff at Going Places travel agents on Victoria Road West, Cleveleys on September 30.

At around 4.50pm the two men entered the shop and one threatened staff with a yellow Stanley knife while the other went to the back of the shop and demanded the safe be opened.

Because it was on a timer switch staff were unable to do so and so he forced his way into the Bureau de Change and stole a substantial amount of cash in English and foreign currency including American dollars, Portuguese escudos and Spanish pesetas.

The two men then made off and headed towards Anchorsholme.

One is described as having an olive complexion, 28, 5ft 5ins, short dark hair and wearing a navy blue lightweight tracksuit.

The other is decribed as 40-45, approx 6ft, short brown/greying hair, dimple in his chin and wearing a three-quarter length beige coat and possibly having a Scottish accent.

If you have information about these or any other crimes you can call Crimestoppers for free and in confidence on 0800 555111.