A driver was struck with a "6-inch kitchen knife" during a terrifying knifepoint robbery.

The incident took place on Syndenham Road, in Hartlepool, when the victim was parked outside the Papa Maf’s pizza shop around 11pm on Thursday. 

A man then approached the car, opened the passenger side door and demanded money, which the driver, a man in his 60s, refused.

The man then produced what has been described as a 6-inch kitchen knife from his jacket pocket and struck the victim on the hand.

The driver quickly got out of the car and went into the pizza shop and later attended Hartlepool Urgent Care for treatment to an injury to his hand. 

Meanwhile, the suspect made off from the scene. 

He is described as white, aged 20-30, 5’6” tall and of medium build, and was wearing a black jacket, shorts, trainers and a cap. 

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Cleveland Police is now appealing for anyone who witnessed this man at or near the scene, leaving the location or captured him on doorbell, dashcam or CCTV to get in touch.

Please contact Hartlepool CID via the 101 number quoting ref 135330 or submit information online.

If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to independent charity www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111.