Good samaritans chased away a robber who stabbed a man after he refused to hand over his mobile phone in Hounslow West.

Police today appealed for the public's help to trace the attacker, who struck in Rosemary Avenue, near Beaversfield Park, on Tuesday (August 12) night.

The 29-year-old victim was walking home along Rosemary Avenue at 11.15pm when a man approached from behind, having come from the direction of Ivanhoe Road.

The robber produced what his victim described as a 10-inch kitchen knife and demanded his wallet and mobile phone.

When the victim refused to hand them over, police said, the attacker repeatedly tried to stab him, slashing him once in the leg.

Brave bystanders came to the man's aid, chasing the robber, who fled empty-handed along Rosemary Avenue towards Ivanhoe Road.

The victim was treated in hospital but has since been discharged.

The robber is described as black, aged 19-25 and 5ft9in. He is of medium build, with short afro hair and spoke with a British accent, using what was described as 'street talk'. He was wearing a dark hooded top with a design on the front and dark bottoms.

Detective Constable Tony Williams, of Hounslow CID, said: "This was a violent robbery and the person responsible is a dangerous man. The suspect made repeated attempts to stab his victim and, if it were not for the intervention of the public, the injuries could have been far worse.

"Anyone with information about this crime should not hesitate to contact police! We need to protect each other from criminals like this. Anyone with information should be assured that it will always be treated in strict confidence."

* Anyone with information is asked to call DC Tony Williams on 020 8247 6653 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Please Quote reference: 0515908/14

* Were you one of the people who came to the victim's aid? Contact us on 0779 5656 567 or email robert.cumber@trinitymirror.com