Anthony Clarke, 39, came across his first victim on Broadway, Accrington, at 6.10am on February 8, this year. He demanded money from him and threatened to stab him. Fortunately, the victim managed to run away and seek help.

Around 10 minutes later, the second victim was walking down Broadway to work when Clarke began shouting at her to give him money. When she told him she did not have any Clarke told her he had a knife and grabbed her by her coat. He then threatened to stab her and produced a knife.

Clarke then pushed her to the floor, which resulted in the victim breaking her wrist. Clarke ran off with her mobile phone.

Our officers were called, quickly attended and arrested Clarke at 6.35am.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Clarke, of no fixed address, was charged with robbery, attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He pleaded guilty to the robbery and attempted robbery and was jailed for five years and four months at Preston Crown Court last week.

DC Lindsay Bull, of EAST CID said “I welcome the custodial sentence handed down to Clarke. He terrified both of his victims carrying out these serious crimes whilst they simply walked down the high street.

“I would like to thank the passers-by that helped both of the victims and assisted us with our investigation which led to his swift arrest. This highlights how important it is that serious crimes like these are reported immediately to prevent any further harm and to locate the offender quickly. In this case he committed two offences and was located and arrested by police within a short 25-minute window.”