A MAN was threatened by an alleged knifeman when he challenged vandals who had left a trail of damage in two York streets today.

The victim interrupted a group of young men damaging his car at about 3am on Poppleton Road. Police said the youngsters had damaged a number of other cars and house windows further up the street and in Boroughbridge Road.

The resident had been woken by the sound of his car being damaged, but when he challenged the group he was threatened by one who claimed to have a knife, said North Yorkshire Police.

A police spokesman said: "We are urging anyone who can identify those responsible to contact police straight away.

"These acts of pointless vandalism which have left nothing but inconvenience and upset for the vehicle and homeowners, will not be tolerated. Anyone found to be carrying a knife in public can expect to be dealt with robustly and brought before the courts."

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, today said he had seen the youths kicking wing mirrors from two vehicles before being confronted and chased by a man.

He said: "They've smashed the wing mirror off one car then come further down and kicked one off a Land Rover. He went out and shouted at them, and I phoned the police.

"It happens a lot. There's a lot of scratching of cars mainly on Friday or Saturday nights, sometimes due to kids riding their bikes two or three abreast on the pavement."

One Boroughbridge Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said his window had been smashed with a brick overnight on Monday, causing about £100 of damage.

He said: "Police have been round and said there are no suspects, no witnesses and no CCTV, and they were nice, helpful and reassuring but  what can they do?"

Another resident closer to the city in Poppleton Road, said a pane in the window of their terraced house had also been smashed.

The four youths were all white and in their late teens or early twenties. One was 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall and the other three were 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins.

Anyone who can help should contact York police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Ian O’Grady, email Ian.ogrady@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 12140185882.