Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after two men were robbed at knife-point as they walked along a Preston underpass on Friday 23 November 2002.

The offence took place around 11.30pm on the underpass on Tenterfield Street, when the victims, who are both aged in their early 20s, were walking from the Law Courts towards the market.

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The two friends had walked from Noor Street, along Sedgewick Street and past New Meadow St Labour Club before stopping to use the ATM at the shops on Lancaster Road. They have then continued to Sizehouse Street and along the underpass

At this time both men become aware of three Asian men had followed them from Noor Street and the men then approached them on the underpass.

At least one man was in possession of a knife and threatened to stab the men if they did not hand over money.

Both victims were punched to the face before the offenders stole a wallet containing a quantity of money and an iPhone. One of the men was stabbed in the buttocks, during the incident which required treatment at Royal Preston Hospital.

DC Nigel Marler from Preston CID said: “This was a nasty robbery and it appears the victims have been followed some distance and deliberately targeted.

“I’d appeal to anybody that witnessed this incident or with any information that could assist with our investigation to call Lancashire Police on 101.”

The three offenders are described Asian and aged around 19 or 20. The first man is described as having a faded goatee styled beard with bags under his eyes and was wearing a black flat cap, dark blue chequered jacket,

The second man is a skinny build, 6ft tall, with a sunken face, prominent cheekbones, bulky nose and long chin. He was wearing a plain black hooded top.

The third man was around 5ft 8inches tall, skinny build, wearing a black hooded tracksuit and black gloves.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.