A KNIFEMAN with a northern accent attempted to rob a man walking alongside a canal.

The victim reported being confronted at 2am on Friday (April 30) at Canal Wharf into Stockbridge Road, Chichester.

A suspect demanded he hand over belongings and reportedly brandished a knife.

But the victim was able to flee from the area unharmed and nothing was reported stolen.

Detective Sergeant Emma Fields said the victim was left “shaken” by the incident.

The suspect was a white man aged between 20 and 40, 5ft 5ins tall, with a northern accent, police say.

He wore a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms, and had either a scar, tattoo or bruising below one of his eyes.

DS Fields said: “Fortunately the victim was able to escape the suspect unharmed but the incident has, understandably, shaken him.

“We are eager to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, saw a man matching the description or believe you may have home CCTV which could assist our investigation to make contact with us without delay.

“High visibility patrols have been increased in the area while we continue our investigation and we are conducting a number of inquiries to identify the suspect.”

Anyone with information, home CCTV, doorbell CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to report this either to Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting serial 121 of 30/04.