TWO women dressed as Vikings refused to hand over their belongings when threatened at knifepoint by masked men.

The women - a 42-year-old from Filey and a 31-year-old from West Yorkshire - were walking by the River Ouse at 2.30am on Sunday in Viking costume when they were approached by two masked men at Water End. 

The men threatened them with a knife and demanded that they hand over their purses and money but the women refused to hand anything over and the suspects left empty handed.

The first suspect is described as being a white man, 5ft 5in  to 5ft 7in tall. At the time he was wearing a black hooded jacket and black trousers. The lower half of his face was covered with either a scarf or a jumper.

The second suspect is also white around 5ft 7in tall with a slim build. He was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

Detective Constable Alicja Wdowiak, of York CID, said: “Thankfully neither of the women were harmed as a result of this incident. However, the experience has naturally left them shaken.

“If you were on the footpath near the River Ouse around the time of the attempted robbery and saw two men acting suspiciously, I urge you to contact police straight away.”

Anyone who can help detectives to progress this enquiry should contact York CID on 101, select option 2 and ask for Alicja Wdowiak. Alternatively, information can be emailed to alicja.wdowiak@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. 

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140087957.