POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was robbed at knifepoint in Colchester.

Between 8.15pm and 8.40pm on Sunday, November 11, a 40-year-old woman from Colchester was approached by a man in Cranborne Close at its junction with Brickmakers Lane.

The woman punched the man in the face and he then pushed her to the floor. He then took her Apple iPhone from her coat pocket, ripping the coat in the process.

The man was armed with a knife, described as being six inches long.

The woman was left shaken but uninjured.

The suspect is described as white, over 6ft tall, wearing a grey hooded top and blue jeans. He was also clean shaven.

He ran off in the direction of Fellowes Close.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Colchester CID on 101.