Robbery terrifies student

An international student was robbed while riding his bike in Hawke's Bay.

An international student has been left terrified after the theft of his backpack containing $2000 cash.

The male victim, who asked not to be named for his own safety, was cycling along Havelock Rd towards Hastings at 6.45pm on Friday.

A dark-coloured vehicle pulled into the cycling lane, forcing him to stop.

Two men got out of the vehicle, approached the 23-year-old and demanded his backpack.

He handed over his light grey-coloured bag, containing the cash and his curriculum vitae.

He described the attackers as "bigger and stronger" and of Maori or Pasifika descent.

"I just thought to myself, why are they doing this? What did I do wrong? I have never been so afraid," he said.

The student had been in Havelock North trying to find work.

The two men then got back into the vehicle and drove towards Hastings.

"It happened so fast that I didn't see the number plate or anything," he said.

The victim moved to Hawke's Bay seven months ago.

Since learning of an earthquake in his home country he had been saving to send money to his now destitute family.

He felt more pressure to find work and settle his debts and suggested to all his friends they no longer carry cash on them.

"I don't want this happening to other international students."

One of the alleged offenders was wearing a black hoodie, while the other wore light-coloured trousers.

The vehicle was described as a dark-coloured hatchback.

-Anyone with details should call Crimestoppers or Detective Ross Alexander of Hawke's Bay Police on 06 831 0700.