A woman had a knife held to her face in a terrifying robbery before thieves made off with her handbag.

She was alone in the Melbourne Park area of Carlisle last night when two masked men, both holding knives, threatened her, demanding her belongings.

She was left with grazes to her face following the ordeal.

Police were called to the Borland Avenue junction to Melbourne Park at about 9pm yesterday.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Both men left in the direction of Melbourne Park with the victim’s handbag which contained her phone, a phone charger and clothing including a North Face jacket.

One of the men, thought to be in his late twenties and who spoke with a local accent, is described as 5ft 9in tall, of thin build, with dark eyes and dark eyebrows. He was wearing black jogging bottoms, a black hooded top and a scarf covering his face.

The second man, aged about 17 or 18, is described as about 5ft 2in tall and was wearing dark-coloured jogging bottoms, a black hooded top and a scarf covering his face.

Detective Sergeant Fiona Murray, of North Cumbria CID, said: “A team of officers and detectives are working hard to trace the two suspects and we appeal to any members of the public who have information to come forward.

“This will have been a terrifying incident for the victim. Her injuries may not have been serious but that does not dilute the seriousness of the offence committed.

“I’d like to reassure the public that a thorough investigation is underway in order to find those responsible.

“If you were in the area of Melbourne Park and have any information on anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant you may deem it, please get in touch as it could be crucial to investigating this crime.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and ask to speak to DS Fiona Murray. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.