TWO teenage girls were threatened at knifepoint by a robber who stole one of their bikes.

The victims, both women aged 19, were approached by the man as they were sat down with their bikes propped up along the route 55 cycle path towards Roe Green in Worsley at about 2.10pm.

He at first asked for directions but then brandished a Stanley knife, which he pointed at the two women and threatened to stab them if they moved.

He stole one of the bikes, a black Carrera mountain bike worth £230, and rode off on it.

The attack happened at Monday, June 30.

Det Con Des Nellany said: “Both of these young women were left extremely upset and shaken to be threatened at knifepoint.

“Thankfully they were not physically harmed but that does not diminish from the very real emotional trauma they suffered as a result of being threatened with a weapon.

“We need to identify who this man is and catch him so I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident or who has information to come forward.

“Specifically, I want people to pay close attention to the description of the very distinctive tattoo we have circulated.

"I am confident someone will know who this is from the tattoo we've described, so please if you do think you know who was responsible, do the right thing and call us.”

The suspect was white, in his late 20s or early 30s, about 5ft 6in tall, medium build, clean shaven with a slim face.

He was wearing three-quarter length blue and green shorts and a thin blue jacket.

He also had a very distinctive tattoo on his right forearm, described as a smiley face with a cigarette in its mouth with either an S or a 5 below.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.