POLICE have warned the public after a man was robbed at knifepoint in broad daylight in York.

A 59-year-old man used the cash machine near Tesco Express in Goodramgate at about 6.10pm on Wednesday, close to the junction with Petergate, when an unknown man put his arm around him and pushed him towards a wall.

At the same time, a second man holding a knife stood in front of him to block his path, and the pair threatened him and demanded his money, before thanking him and leaving. The victim was not injured, but very shaken up by the incident.

North Yorkshire Police said the two men spoke with foreign accents, and spoke with smiles to give the impression they were friends having a chat.

Detective Constable Robert Brook of York Serious Crime Team, said: "This robbery happened in broad daylight, in a busy street in York and there will have been a lot of people around at the time. It’s possible that people saw the men, but due to their 'friendly' approach, and the speed with which the incident happened, passers-by may not have been aware of what was happening.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anyone matching the men’s description, or who believe they witnessed the incident, to please contact the police. It’s possible that the men were hanging around in the area of the cash machine, waiting for a suitable victim to approach. In the meantime, I urge anyone using cash machines to be vigilant, be aware of who is standing around or watching you as you use the machine. If in doubt, move to another location and report any suspicious people to the police."

Police also issued descriptions of the suspects:

  • The man who had his arm around the victim was 5ft 11in tall, of stocky but toned build and aged between 26 and 30. He was unshaven and had black hair, brown eyes, olive skin and was of eastern European appearance, and spoke with a foreign accent and was wearing a tight gym top, black jogging trousers and trainers.
  • The suspect holding the knife was described as similar in height, with an olive complexion, of smaller build to the first man, but still toned. He was aged between 24 and 26 and dressed in a similar way to the first suspect.
  • Police said a third suspect may have been involved in the incident who spoke to the victim afterwards, and had a similar appearance to the first two.

Anyone with information that could help police should phone 101, and ask for York Serious Crime Team, email SCTYork@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting reference 12160143873.