Isle of Wight Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in East Cowes.

A 27-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman were walking along Connaught Road in East Cowes at approximately 11.20pm on Thursday, February 4, 2010.

They were approached by another man who threatened them and demanded money.

When they refused, the man ran off and was seen to get inside a car parked nearby.

The car, described as a dark coloured Ford Fiesta, was seen being driven away in the direction of York Avenue.

The 27-year-old man and 50-year-old woman were not injured.

The suspect was described as:

• Male
• White
• 5 ft 8 ins to 6 ft tall
•  Skinny build

He was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up. His face was covered by some kind of clothing.

Police were later informed of a Ford Fiesta that had been reported on fire outside an address on Alverstone Road, Queen Bower near Sandown during the early hours of Friday morning (February 5). The green Ford Fiesta had been stolen from a public car park in Dudley Road in Ventnor sometime after 4.30pm on Thursday, February 4.

Detective Sergeant Will Burns of Isle of Wight CID said: 

“I would like to thank everyone who has given the police information already. We are pursuing several lines of enquiry, particularly the movements of the Ford Fiesta after it was stolen. I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may have seen this car or who knows the identity of those travelling inside the Fiesta on Thursday night to contact the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone the Isle of Wight CID office at Newport Police Station on 101. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call 0845 045 45 45.