Police are investigating the attempted robbery of a man and a woman in Armidale yesterday, NSW Police say.
About 5.30pm yesterday, a 34-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman, were walking along the cycleway near O’Dell Street, when they were confronted by three teenagers with their faces covered.
The teens, armed with a knife and a golf club, demanded property from the man.
Upon refusing, the man was stabbed and struck with the golf club.
The teenagers ran from the park and were last seen heading towards Butler Street.
The man sustained a laceration to his abdomen and was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics. He was taken to Armidale Hospital and has since been released.
Officers from New England Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.
Police would like to speak with three teenagers who may be able to assist with inquiries.
They have been described to police as being male, Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged approximately 15-18 years old.
At the time of the robbery they were all wearing dark coloured shirts and tracksuit pants.
Armidale Duty Officer, Inspector Best said this was a particularly disturbing crime that could have had a very tragic outcome.
"The actions of these offenders is astonishing – a man has been stabbed, potentially taking a life, for nothing more than the contents of a wallet," Insp Best said.
"Three armed offenders confronting an innocent victim walking home from work – it’s cowardly at the very least,
"That said, it’s not just the police that solve these crimes, it’s the community. Someone out there knows who these offenders are.
"Given the seriousness of the offence any information that leads to an arrest would be viewed as extremely valuable.
"If you have concerns for your safety in relation to providing information it is unfounded, the police have tried and tested ways in which we protect your identity if you provide information to us.
"Members of the community may have seen persons matching their description in the Armidale area before or after the offence. If so please contact us, as this information could be crucial in identifying these offenders," he said.
Investigators are urging any witnesses or anyone who may have information that could assist to contact Armidale Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
