‘It was terrifying’: Man pulls out a knife at York park in front of families

A man was arrested today after what a witness described as a ‘terrifying’ incident at a York park.

Police were called to West Bank Park this morning (Monday) following reports of a man acting aggressively.

The witness told YorkMix: “I had just dropped my nephew at the nursery next to the park.

“The man was walking around the bowling green in circles shouting, and then picked on a park volunteer to start on before throwing a cup of water over him.

“Another woman called the police as he went into the children’s park, before spotting a child on a bike and walking towards her shouting.

“Luckily her mother caught up with her and moved her on. But he then came back to shout at me, another woman and the park worker – before pulling out a knife when the policewoman got to him. It was terrifying”

Nobody hurt

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of assault after police were called to West Bank Park, York, at 8.15am today.

“Police received reports of a man acting aggressively towards members of the public and throwing water over a man.

“Nobody is believed to have been injured during the incident. He is currently in police custody while enquiries continue.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of West Bank Park said it wasn’t a volunteer but a member of staff who was targeted.

“We were very concerned and upset to find out that an individual threatened a member of staff in the park this morning,” they said.

“We have that worker very much in our thoughts. It was very fortunate that the police could attend and defuse the situation so quickly, and we send them our thanks.

“Luckily such events are extremely rare in the park, it’s a wonderful community space where staff, volunteers and the public work together to keep it both beautiful and safe.”