A ROBBERY victim who was threatened with a knife in an Ipswich street today told how his attackers threatened to cut his throat.Russell Mayes, 31, was cycling along Bridgwater Road when two men pounced on him and pulled him from his bike.

A ROBBERY victim who was threatened with a knife in an Ipswich street today told how his attackers threatened to cut his throat.

Russell Mayes, 31, was cycling along Bridgwater Road when two men pounced on him and pulled him from his bike.

He retaliated by butting one of them but a knife was then pulled and he gave up his struggle.

He said: “I assaulted one of them and the other one said 'if you don't apologise we will cut your throat' and they pulled a knife.

“Normally I would try and fight back but I but I have been assaulted in the past and was stabbed in a nightclub.”

Mr Mayes, of Marigold Avenue, said he had a nervous breakdown a month ago and was now struggling to come to terms with his ordeal.

He is yet another victim of violent crime in the town, something which is being highlighted in The Evening Star as more and more people come forward to talk of their ordeals.

Mr Mayes said he was not shocked to be attacked in Ipswich and said he thought violence in the town was getting worse.

He said: “I am shaky and I am scared but this won't stop me going out. I will go wherever I want in my town. I am scared but if I show it that it is a weakness.

“My friends are really surprised this happened to me because normally I can look after myself.”

Mr Mayes said he was struggling to sleep following the incident and couldn't understand why the men had targeted him.

He said the men had taken his bike, which is his only form of transport, and had also stolen his last £20 from his pocket.

He said: “My bike was my only way of getting around and I will now have to walk everywhere.

“I'm not working and am applying for income support and incapacity benefit but it hasn't come through yet.”

“I hope some witnesses come forward because I don't want this to happen to anyone else.

“I think there were witnesses but everyone just minds their own business.”

The robbery happened about 9.15pm on Wednesday .

The first attacker was olive skinned, in his 20s, 5ft 9in and of medium build.

He had a beard, shoulder length hair, a pitted complexion and a small scar on his forehead.

He was wearing black tracksuit trousers, a white t-shirt, black leather jacket and white trainers.

The second was also olive skinned and in his 20s.

He was 6ft, of stocky build, had a goatee beard, and was wearing blue jeans, a black hooded top with the hood up and black trainers.

The men stole a red/silver Storm Probike mountain bike and made off in the direction of Stoke Park.

Anyone with information should call Pc Stuart Boldero at Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Have you been a victim of robbery? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Weblinks: www.suffolk.police.uk; www.eveningstar.co.uk/news