Student threatened with knife and pushed to the ground in York attack

A man and a woman threatened a student with a knife and pushed him to the ground during an attempted robbery in York early on Wednesday (June 17).

The student was was walking along Melrosegate from Hull Road at about 2.50am when the incident happened. A man and woman on bicycles travelling from the other direction approached him near the entrance to St Nicholas Fields.

They demanded money from the victim, and the man pushed him to the ground and threatened him with a knife.

Nothing was taken and the victim was not injured, but he was left shaken by the incident.

The offenders cycled off along Alcuin Avenue.

They were wearing…

Man: a grey or dark hooded top with the hood up

Woman: a hooded top with the hood up.

Anybody who has any information about the incident, or recognises the descriptions of those involved, is asked to contact York Serious Crime Team – details below:

Tips for staying safe

Although York is a very safe city, police are urging people to be aware of measures they can take to keep themselves safe when walking alone at night…

Plan your route to avoid potentially unsafe areas, and stick to well-lit routes, main roads and footpaths.

Make sure you’re not showing off any valuables. It’s a good idea to carry your bag close to you with the clasp or pocket facing inwards. Keep it zipped so your wallet or purse can’t be seen.

Cover up expensive jewellery and, if you must carry other valuables, be discreet: talking on your mobile, wearing headphones or carrying a laptop all show thieves you have things worth taking.

Have your house keys ready so you can get in the front door quickly – carry them on you, not in your bag, and consider an attack alarm (whether you’re male or female).

Make sure you’ve got insurance and your belongings are registered on immobilise.com.