A hunt is underway to find a man who held up a taxi driver at gunpoint in York.
The same suspect is also wanted in connection with two further crimes of assault and burglary.
All three incidents are all believed to have occurred between 11.30pm and 12.30am, Sunday night into Monday morning (May 14-15).
Brandished firearm
A taxi driver was waiting at a red light on Haxby Road when a man jumped into the back of his car and asked for a lift.
When the driver declined, a weapon – believed to be a firearm or imitation firearm – was shown to the driver before the offender demanded money.
The taxi driver continued driving for a short period of time while sounding the car horn, until he reached Exhibition Square where the offender left the vehicle and ran down Bootham.
The driver, Colin Metcalfe, told the York Press: “It was a horrendous experience.
“I’ve driven in York for over 34 years and this is the first time anyone’s threatened me with a weapon, let alone a gun.”
Two more crimes
A second incident occurred on Burton Stone Lane a short time later.
A man in his early 20s was approached by a man who punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
The third incident occurred when a man attempted to break-into a house on Thorpe Street. The man was disturbed by the occupants and other residents and quickly left the scene.
Description released
A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “Enquiries, including CCTV and other forensics, are currently being carried out as a matter of urgency.”
The police issued this description of the gunman.
Have you seen him?
The suspect is…
| white | |
| with a tanned complexion | |
| with stubble |
| of slim build | |
| believed to be aged in his 20s |
Nothing was taken during either incident.
Police have spoken to a number of witnesses about the incidents but officers are keen to speak with anyone else who may have information on any of the offences.
Police would particularly like to hear from anyone who
- saw something suspicious in the area around the time the offences took place
- was driving and may have captured vital evidence on a dash-cam
- owns a private CCTV system
Anyone who can assist with this investigation is asked to contact officers quoting reference 12170083254.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.