A SOLDIER who was robbed in a vice girl “honey-trap” refused to become a victim and turned the tables on his would-be assailants, it has been revealed.

Police have said the incident highlighted one of the many dangers of attempting to use prostitutes and have warned other young men not to fall victim to the same scam.

The 19-year-old soldier was receiving “massage services” from a woman posing as a sex worker at a Darlington address at about 4am on Saturday, when a youth burst in the room brandishing a policestyle baton and a knife.

The youth, said to be in his late teens, threatened the soldier and demanded that he give up his mobile phone and wallet.

The soldier, who had already paid the woman £60 for her services after seeing an advert in the Daily Sport newspaper, handed over the items.

However, he then wrestled the baton from the youth and forced him to give up the knife, before recovering his property.

The incident happened in a flat in the Orchard Road area of Darlington, in the Denes district of the town.

Police were called to the incident and all three were arrested and taken for questioning, before it emerged that the soldier, who is stationed at Catterick Garrison, was the victim.

Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson said: “This soldier had his wits about him, but he was lucky. I don’t think he’ll be going for another massage anytime soon.

“It has worked out OK for him on this occasion, but it could have been very different.

Hopefully, it will be an example to other young men that this is not the way forward.”

■ A 17-year-old male and a 29-year-old woman were arrested in connection with incident. They have been released on police bail until later this month.