A WOMAN was held at knifepoint and her bags and purse stolen in a street attack in Margate town centre.

The 37-year-old victim was walking home through Market Place from a fancy dress party at 1am on Sunday, holding carrier bags containing clothing, a cowboy outfit, beer mats and her purse.

As she turned into King Street she was grabbed by the shoulder by her attacker who held a knife to her throat and demanded money. She said that her purse was in one of the carrier bags and he took all four and ran off, searching through them.

PC George Allum said the victim was “very shocked” and ran to her brother’s home and police were alerted.

The robber is said to be Afro Carribbean, in his early 20s, 5ft 10in tall, slim, clean shaven and with a thin beard under his bottom lip.

Anyone who saw the attack or the suspect in the old town area should contact Det Con Glen Vincer, 01843 222025.