A 29-year-old cyclist who was ambushed and threatened with a knife by a robber while on his way to work is appealing for help to trace his attacker.

Chris Bell was stopped by a man close to the crossing at the top of Military Road, Chatham, on Friday, March 31, and asked for money.

When Mr Bell refused to give him cash the man, who he said smelt strongly of alcohol, demanded he hand over his bike or his friends would stab him.

Mr Bell, who lives in Gillingham, said: “I could see two of his friends waiting so I handed over all the money I had. It was just a few pounds. The man said he knew I had money because he could hear it rattling about in my pockets.”

The man is described as aged between 40 and 50 and about 5ft 7in. He was walking towards Chatham railway station when the incident took place around 8am.

Mr Bell was on his way to work at the Halifax Service Centre in Dock Road, Chatham, and was cycling towards the high street when he was stopped.

He added: “Chatham was quite busy at that time and there were lots of people around. They did what they could to avoid the situation but must have seen what was happening.

“The whole thing has left me shaken and shocked. You just don’t expect that kind of thing to happen to you on your way to work early in the morning.”

A spokesman for Medway Police said: “Police are investigating this incident. We have spoken with the victim and taken a statement and are liaising with Medway Council regarding CCTV footage.”