POLICE are urging people to be vigilant after a sudden increase in the number of robberies in Huddersfield.

The call came after a 21-year-old Lindley man was robbed at knifepoint as he made his way home.

And a total of nine victims have now been targeted in just over a week.

The Lindley victim was attacked at 6pm on Saturday as he walked up Holly Bank Road in Lindley after getting off a bus.

He was approached by two white youths aged around 16 or 17. The knifeman has a spotty complexion and wore a dark cap and a dark hooded top, grey jogging bottoms and white trainers.

His accomplice wore dark clothes.

One of the men held a knife to the victim's throat while the other demanded his mobile phone.

The victim handed over his Sony Ericsson T610 phone and managed to escape unhurt.

Det Insp Ian Devey, of Huddersfield CID, appealed for anybody who witnessed the attack to come forward.

He said: "It is likely there were people around at that time and we would ask anybody with any information to contact us."

There were seven robberies in the Huddersfield area in the week to Saturday evening - a 50% increase in the usual weekly rate.

That tally rose to nine after an armed robbery at the Aspley pub in Aspley Basin at 1am yesterday.

And a youth had his mobile phone stolen by robbers who attacked him with a baseball bat in Dalton at 11.30pm on Saturday.

Det Insp Devey was confident efforts were being made to catch those responsible.

He said: "Robbery has a massive impact on the victims and for that reason we have a dedicated robbery team to investigate every case in real detail.

"There seems to have been a blip in the last week, but we are working to ensure this does not spiral out of control.

"We have made eight arrests in relation to the robberies which shows the level of effort we are going to and inquiries are still on-going from forensic and identification perspectives."

He encouraged people to be aware about personal safety.

He said: "When people are out and about they need to be aware that mobile phones are a target for thieves.

"But we are working hard to drive down violent crime and continue the downward trend we have seen with a 51% decrease in robbery in this area."

Anybody with information is asked to contact Huddersfield CID on 01484 436680.