A MAN was threatened with a knife in broad daylight as he sat in his car outside a supermarket.

The 30-year-old was alone in his red VW Polo in Asda’s car park, in North Street, South Bank, at around 4.45pm on June 20.

He was approached by a man who struck up a conversation before snatching the keys from the ignition and produced a knife.

The victim managed to move further into the vehicle and away form the knife using his feet to defend himself.

The man then walked away and joined two other men who were standing nearby before all three walked towards the underpath which leads to the residential area of South Bank.

The victim was left shaken but uninjured.

The attacker is described as a white, about 5ft 7ins, 18 to 22-years-old, short ginger hair and a freckled complexion.

He was wearing dark clothing and had a local accent. One of the men that walked away with the attacker was pushing a black BMX push bike.

Detective Constable Nicky Moore, of Cleveland Police, said: "This was a very frightening incident for the victim and it could easily have ended with serious injury.

"I would like to hear from anybody who may have witnessed the attack or anybody who believes they can offer information regarding it."

Witnesses are asked to contact Redcar and Cleveland Police HQ on 01642-302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.