POLICE in Launceston are appealing for information after a woman was approached and asked for money while using a cash machine in the town.

At approximately 4pm on Wednesday, October 21, a local woman was using the cash machine at the Halifax Building Society, Southgate Street, Launceston, when she was approached by a youth demanding cash.

To re-inforce this demand the offender held a knife in his hand that was clearly visible to the victim. While she felt intimidated by this person, she did not hand over any money and the suspect ran away through Market Street. The woman was not injured and no money was stolen.

A police spokesman said: "Enquiries to date reveal that the suspect was loitering in the immediate vicinity for some time prior to the incident, and was probably seen by a large number of people in the town centre."

The suspect was wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a distinctive logo of a cannabis leaf on the front and back. He is thought to be aged in his 20s and may have had dark skin and dark eyes.

If anyone has any information that will assist in the investigation, they are asked to call Launceston Police on 08452 777444, quoting log reference number BL/09/969 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.