Appeal after man robbed near canal

Officers are appealing for information after a man was robbed while on a canal towpath.

The victim reported walking along a path adjacent to the Trent and Mersey Canal, near Branston, on Monday (2 August) at 6.30pm, when he was stopped by an unknown male.

The offender reportedly threatened the victim with an orange-handled knife and demanded he empty his pockets.

The victim handed over £40 in cash and the offender made off on foot in direction of Stretton.

The incident was reported to police at 10am on Tuesday (3 August).

The offender is described as white, in his 20s, about six foot, two inches in height and of slim build.

He was reportedly wearing a blue face mask, aviator-style sunglasses, blue padded jacket with the hood up tightly around his face, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the area at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 185 of 3 August.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.