A BOLTON child stared death in the face as a knifeman demanded cash from her terrified father.

Ray Boddington, aged 59, watched in horror as the thug waved a blade in front of his four-year-old daughter Juliana's face, with the chilling message: "Give me the money or I'll kill the baby."

The attack, close to Davenport Street, Bolton, came minutes after Mr Boddington, from Great Lever, had withdrawn £290 from a cash machine.

He believes he was followed by the attacker, who struck after he had crossed Topp Way.

As the attacker waved a knife at the child, Mr Boddington knocked Juliana out of the way and she ran to safety.

Mr Boddington's shirt was ripped from his back during the struggle and the robber managed to escape with £100.

He said: "I remember him thrusting the knife at the baby and shouting 'Give me the money or I'll kill the baby. I want it all or I'll stab the baby to death'.

"I knocked her to one side and then he had a go at me. My daughter's been in shock since it happened. She's not stopped screaming.

"I want other people to be aware of what has happened and to know this person is on the streets."

Police chiefs described the attack as a "nasty and violent" robbery..

Det Sgt Brian Langrish said: "We want witnesses to come forward because this matter is being treated very seriously."

The attacker is described as white, slim, 5ft 10ins tall and aged 18 to 22. He was wearing a blue T-shirt and dark trousers, possibly jeans.

Anyone with information about the attack -- at 11am on Tuesday -- can contact Bolton police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555111. Ray and Juliana Boddington recover after the attack Ref: H3514/6a