The police hunt for two knifepoint robbers who are terrorising lone women in Hampstead has been stepped up following the terrifying ordeal suffered by fashion designer Nicole Farhi. Steve Burns, head of Camden s robbery squad, said that it was the third incid

The police hunt for two knifepoint robbers who are terrorising lone women in Hampstead has been stepped up following the terrifying ordeal suffered by fashion designer Nicole Farhi.

Steve Burns, head of Camden's robbery squad, said that it was the third incident in as many months when women walking alone in Hampstead had been robbed of their jewellery near their homes.

The assailants are believed to be two black men, who fled in a small silver car which was parked nearby.

Ms Farhi was attacked around 11pm last Thursday night after being approached by two men in the street near her home in Frognal. She may have been followed home.

They held a knife to her throat and stripped her of jewellery reportedly worth £8,000. As well as taking her watch and a ring her attackers snatched her purse containing foreign currency. Then they used the car to speed off towards Finchley Road.

The flamboyant Ms Farhi, who has a worldwide reputation as a leading fashion innovator, and a loyal following of celebrity customers, was understandably traumatised by the attack and is understood to have been advised by police about her security.

Police are on the hunt for two black men aged between 25 and 35.

No arrests have been made at this stage. Call Camden Robbery Squad on 020-7404 1212 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.