Two women have revealed details of a terrifying attack on the riverside by a man who ran at them wielding what appeared to be a large curved knife.

The attack happened at approximately 7.45pm on Saturday near Twickenham Bridge and the man responsible is still at large.

One of the women revealed details of the frightening incident to Nub News by way of a warning to other people using the roads around where the attack took place.

The women are critical of the Met Police, saying it took repeated calls and a long delay before officers arrived.

One of the women, Jess Owen, told Nub News the frightening incident happened as she and a friend were walking along Ducks Walk on the Twickenham side of the river towards Twickenham Bridge.

At one stage, the two friends became separated with one fearing the other had been stabbed and possibly killed.

Ms Owen said: "We spotted a man emerge from under the steps of the bridge holding a large curved knife above his head…and he began to run towards us.

"My friend screamed and we both began to run but I slipped over into Budds Alley, which was right next to us.

"I scrambled back up and could see out of the corner of my eye that the guy was a lot closer than before. I started to run down the alleyway but my friend hadn't seen me fall and ran back the way we came back down Ducks Walk.

"I ran all the way to the end of the alleyway and popped out in Arlington Close and knocked on the first house I saw. Luckily a lovely couple opened the door and let me in so I could call the police, as I had dropped my phone when I fell."

She added: "My friend who had run back the way we came had been heard screaming while running away and was pulled into a kind man's house who also helped her call the police.

"As we had been split up and I had dropped my phone and wasn't picking up, my friend assumed the worst had happened to me. We didn't actually find out that the other one of us was okay until over an hour after the incident had happened."

Ms Owen said it took multiple calls to the police before officers finally arrived. "Even then the officers were unarmed," she said.

"We were at these strangers houses for two hours….and my friend was forced to walk a partial way back via the attack route to get to the police vehicle.

"Overall the police handled the situation appallingly. We were both just so incredibly lucky and grateful that we had help from some virtual strangers, otherwise who knows what could have happened."

She added: "Obviously the individual who attacked us still hasn't been caught so we are still appealing for anyone who does have any information to come forward.

"I urge people to be extra vigilant when walking or running during these darker evenings and to avoid the areas surrounding Twickenham Bridge if at all possible."

A Met Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that police are investigating a report of a man armed with a knife threatening two people in Twickenham.

"On Saturday, 12 February … a man armed with a knife ran out from under a bridge at two people walking through Ducks Walk.

"Both victims screamed at the suspect and made their escape. The suspect ran off in a different direction. There were no reported injuries.

"Enquiries are underway to identify the suspect."

There have been no arrests. Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 6578/12FEB.

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 55 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.