Swedish hitchhiker threatened with knife

Swedish hitchhiker threatened with knife

A Swedish tourist was allegedly threatened with a knife and had his backpack stolen after hitchhiking in Blenheim last week.

The police are investigating the incident on December 16 around 11pm near Bells Rd.

Police say the 21-year-old tourist had hitched a ride from St Arnaud to Blenheim and had just been dropped off on the outskirts of town. He was approached by two men who demanded cash and one of the pair threatened him with a knife.

He says he dropped his pack and ran, fearing for his safety and spent the night sleeping rough before reporting to police.

The offenders made off with a dark green 100 litre Fjallraven brand backpack. It contained the young man's Asus laptop, a Canon camera with a fish eye lens, along with other personal items.

Blenheim Police would like to speak to anyone who has information that might identify those involved, they can call police on 03 578 5279.

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