A KNIFEMAN threatened a woman and tried to force her into his car during a terrifying attack in a West Yorkshire town.
The 50-year-old woman was walking along Hazel Road in Knottingley when she was approached by a car at the junction with Sycamore Avenue.
Its driver initially told the woman he wanted some directions before asking her to get into his car.
When she refused, he pulled out a knife and made what police are describing as “further demands”.
The woman then ran off unhurt and the car drove away in the opposite direction.
Police have mounted high-visibility patrols in the Knottingley area since the incident, which happened at about 6.50pm on New Year’s Day.
Officers are also trawling through CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the suspect.
Insp Richard Sullivan, from the Pontefract and Knottingley neighbourhood policing team, said: “It is important we establish who this man is and I would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this incident.
“We are carrying out regular patrols in the area as well as conducting various inquiries in order to identify this man.
“The victim was uninjured during this incident, but she should not have been subjected to this threat whilst walking through the town.”
The suspect is described as Asian and aged in his early 20s, with short, dark hair.
He was clean shaven and wearing a grey-coloured top.
His car was said to be small and black, with beads dangling from its rear view mirror.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police via the force’s 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.