TWO women were threatened by a knifeman who stole their handbags.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the street robbery in Northumberland.

It happened at 2.40am on Saturday on Chestnut Street in Ashington.

"Two young women aged 17 and 18 years were walking along the street after a night out when they were approached from behind by a man," said a spokeswoman for Northumbria Police. "He grabbed a handbag from one woman and pushed her to the ground. He then produced a knife and threatened the other woman and told her to hand over her handbag. He made off after stealing two handbags.

"The women were shocked but otherwise uninjured."

The offender is described as a man 5ft 8ins tall, skinny build and armed with a knife. His face was covered with a scarf and he was wearing a black hoodie and dark coloured jeans.

Police are appealing for witnesses anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to contact them.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 187 of 28/02/15 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.