Shopper's face slashed with knife in shocking daylight attack

A Finchley Road shopper was slashed in the face with a knife during a daylight robbery.

The 62-year-old man was attacked last Wednesday in a pedestrian subway at 12.30pm.

The lunchtime attack near the tube station has left other pedestrians shocked. Some have said they will not use the subway again.

Gail Graham, 27, and a nanny from Primrose Hill, said she normally used the subway every day.

"I don't think I will take the risk now," she said. "Especially not with a three-year-old child. The attack is pretty shocking, especially because it was in the middle of the day."

As the victim crossed under the road, two youths walked up to him, grabbed him and demanded his wallet.

One of the attackers then pulled out a knife and began waving it around. As the pensioner tried to defend himself he was cut on his hand. The blade was then turned on his face and he was slashed across each cheek.

The attackers, who had an accomplice keeping lookout at the entrance, ran off when a couple came into the subway.

Police now want to speak to the couple, as well as anyone else who may have seen the group in the area.

DC Tracey Gow from Camden's robbery squad said: "I am appealing to the man and woman who entered the subway and disturbed the suspects to please come forward to police. They may have witnessed the incident or be able to provide information that will assist the investigation."

Police say the knife wielder was a black man, around 18 years of age and 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing a brown cap and a black tracksuit and spoke with an African accent.

The second man was black, aged 18 and wore blue jeans. The man on lookout was of North African origin, aged 18, and wearing a grey hooded jacket.

Anyone with any information should call Camden police on 020-7404 1212 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.