A man ran away screaming for help after a knifeman appeared out of nowhere and began chasing him.

The victim was walking along the residential streets of Radlett when he says a man in a puffa jacket appeared in Beech Avenue, Radlett, at around 4.45pm yesterday (Sunday).

All he could see of the armed man’s features was his eyes and he screamed in his face and spun around shouting for help. Police believe the suspect was trying to rob the lone man, who had his phone in his hand, and he began pursuing his target before giving up and turning back towards The Avenue.

Police arrived and carried out a search of the area but no one was found.

According to the victim, the man was of slim build and around 5ft 7in tall. He was wearing a dark puffa jacket and a scarf was covering his mouth and nose.

Fortunately, the victim was able to get away and did not sustain any injuries.

It is the second incident in Beech Avenue in a week.

Last Monday, burglars left a family in fear after they broke into their home before stealing a Volkswagen Polo and a safe. No one was injured.

Following yesterday’s incident, a police spokeswoman said: “Police were called at 4.47pm yesterday to reports that a man had been approached by a man who produced a knife. The victim began screaming and the offender ran away.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the area. The victim was not hurt during the incident.”

Enquiries are on-going and anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting ISR 528 of December 23 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111 or via at www.crimestoppers-uk.org