POLICE investigating reports of a schoolgirl robbed of her shoes in York have said they do not believe it is connected to a similar crime committed in the area last year.
On Friday morning, a girl, believed to be ten or 11 years old, was approached by a man in Ostman Road at the junction of Viking Road, in Acomb.
The description of the suspect is a white man, aged around 20, about 5ft 6in to 5ft 7ins tall, of a slim build, with dark curly hair and wearing glasses.
No arrests have yet been made and inquiries are ongoing.
A similar incident happened in September 2014, when a 15-year-old Manor C of E Academy pupil was robbed of her shoes and socks while walking home in Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton.
The man ran up behind her and pushed her to the ground, demanding her shoes. He then made away along Millfield Lane towards Acomb.
In that case, the man was described as either Asian or Eastern European, around 25-years-old, between 6ft and 6ft 4in tall, with a thin, stubbly face and short black hair, which was styled at the front. He was wearing thin, square glasses, a blue jacket, black jeans and was possibly carrying a small rucksack.
However, North Yorkshire Police said the incidents are not being connected as the descriptions of the men are different, raising the possibility of a copycat thief.
No arrests were made in connection with the 2014 incident.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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