Quick-thinking teen outsmarts would-be rapist in New York by saying she is on her period

Attack comes a week after the alleged gang rape of 18-year-old girl by five youths in a nearby playground.

Cleveland Street in Brooklyn, New York

A teenage girl held at knifepoint by a would-be rapist reportedly managed to stave him off by telling him she was menstruating.

The 13-year-old was grabbed while walking to school in Brooklyn, New York.

Her attacker held a knife to her throat while threatening to sexually assault her, according to the New York Post.

But a local activist told the newspaper she quickly reacted to the situation by telling her attacker it was her "time of the month" - and he promptly let her go.

Community activist Tony Herbert said: “She said at that time I think she was on her menstrual [cycle] and she made it very clear to him that was happening.

“Immediately after she said that, he let go of her hand and he ran off.”

This attack comes a week after the alleged gang rape of an 18-year-old girl by five youths in a Brooklyn playground.