Cyclist slashed by armed attackers while riding on Heworth cycle path

10:10am Wednesday 30th December 2009 in News Photograph of the Author By Richard Harris

The scene of the armed robbery off Mill Lane, Heworth, York. The scene of the armed robbery off Mill Lane, Heworth, York.

A CYCLIST fought off two armed robbers despite being slashed across the arm.

The 30-year-old man was riding along a cycle path in Heworth, York, when he was approached by two others who asked him for a light before dragging him from his bicycle.

In the ensuing scuffle, in which they tried to steal his rucksack, he was slashed with a knife or other bladed-weapon. He suffered minor cuts to his arm and hip and did not need hospital treatment.

He then fought back, punching one of the muggers in the face, knocking him to the ground. The pair then ran off empty-handed in the direction of Foss Islands Road.

The attack took place at 11.30am on Sunday, on the cycle path behind the former A-Team Taxis office, in Mill Lane.

One of the assailants is described as being white, about six feet tall and was wearing a black hooded top with black tracksuit bottoms, a black hat and a black scarf covering his face.

The second man who was also white was wearing a grey hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and a dark jacket.

Police today said one of the men may have suffered an injury to his face after being punched to the ground and asked anyone with information to come forward.

PC Nick Thompson of York Police said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or used the cycle path on Sunday morning.

“I also urge anyone who may have seen the victim or the offenders either before or after the attack to get in touch.

“I would like to reassure the public that incidents of this nature are very rare in York and we are working very hard to trace those responsible.”

The mugging comes after another attempted robbery just a few hundred yards away on August 2. In that, a 20-year-old woman was dragged down the alleyway at the side of the Co-op in East Parade by two men.

The muggers ran off after the woman screamed for help and a passer-by intervened. Police are not linking the two incidents.

Local councillor Ruth Potter said the cycle path was generally safe and she would continue to use it.

She said: “I would hope it wouldn’t put people off from using the track; the more people who use it the safer it is.

“It’s very sad for the person concerned and I hope they are not badly hurt.”

Anyone who witnessed the attempted robbery or saw anyone matching the description of the attackers in the area around the time of the mugging is asked to phone PC Nick Thompson of York Police on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be phoned anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Comments(21)

The Cat Amongst The Pigeons says...
10:32am Wed 30 Dec 09

I'm looking forward to the headline... "Mugging victim hospitalises two track-suited Chav's, and when the would be cowardly muggers leave intensive care they shall face many years in prison"

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Dobby the Elf says...
10:40am Wed 30 Dec 09

I think the more likely headline is 'Mugging Victim in magistrates course for causing ABH' when the poor victim ends up being prosecuted for daring to stand up for himself and punching one of the little scrotes in the face!!!

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Soothsayer17 says...
10:40am Wed 30 Dec 09

"He then fought back, punching one of the muggers in the face, knocking him to the ground."
.
Is it too late to vote for this guy as York's Man of the Year? Good on you son!

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A taxpayer says...
10:56am Wed 30 Dec 09

The cycle routes on the old railway lines in York are notorious for muggings, ordinarily no one bothers to report them putting it down to bad luck. 8-10am and 3-4pm are the best times to chance it as the crackheads are usually out of it from the previous night, then they refire around lunchtime giving an afternoon respite.

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scooterboy says...
11:11am Wed 30 Dec 09

pat ya self on the back pal ,well done

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1speedisalluneed says...
11:22am Wed 30 Dec 09

Nice work, hopefully these 2 will still have headache today.

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pedalling paul says...
11:30am Wed 30 Dec 09

I recall North Yorkshire Police patrolling these old railway routes in the past, with motor bikes. These were a County wide resource and not always available in York.
But now we have a good number of officers who are trained in cycling skills, and well equipped to continue this role.
Please always report actual or perceived incidents to the police. This will generate good intelligence, and perhaps enable patrolling patterns to be beneficially changed.
Visit www.999cycletraining
.com to learn about national cycle training that is offered right here in York, for Police and Paramedics.

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Jassy says...
11:45am Wed 30 Dec 09

Paul you are tedious beyond believe

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pedalling paul says...
11:54am Wed 30 Dec 09

Jassy wrote:
Paul you are tedious beyond believe
Surely you mean, ..."beyond belief."
And why tedious? Readers need to be reassured that they can use these paths in relative safety. The more users, the more casual surveillance and less opportunity for local scrotes to offend.

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RingoStarr says...
12:03pm Wed 30 Dec 09

pedalling paul wrote:
Jassy wrote: Paul you are tedious beyond believe
Surely you mean, ..."beyond belief." And why tedious? Readers need to be reassured that they can use these paths in relative safety. The more users, the more casual surveillance and less opportunity for local scrotes to offend.
Oh dear! GET A LIFE!

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tonezzzznoddedoff says...
12:09pm Wed 30 Dec 09

Well done that man, very brave in the circumstances as the youths weren't exactly small at 6 foot but they'll think twice in future 'cowards' because of this mans actions.

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1speedisalluneed says...
1:18pm Wed 30 Dec 09

I seem to recall some Police officers that used to patrol on scrambler motorbikes, where have they gone? I choose not to use these cycle ways due to the amonut of glass & dog mess, never mind the chance you may be mugged whilst minding your own business.

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scooterboy says...
1:19pm Wed 30 Dec 09

pedalling paul wrote:
Jassy wrote: Paul you are tedious beyond believe
Surely you mean, ..."beyond belief." And why tedious? Readers need to be reassured that they can use these paths in relative safety. The more users, the more casual surveillance and less opportunity for local scrotes to offend.
i bet your life is oh so dull paul

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kennydebs says...
1:38pm Wed 30 Dec 09

There are two otions here. First send the two bits of pond life to china where they will be treated properly or second have a trial here and they will properly get 60 hours community service and a cash award for being assualted by their victim. I like many others trust that it was a good punch and that it hurt.

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Get-a-grip says...
2:43pm Wed 30 Dec 09

What a relief it is to read the below headline - " Year of succes for North Yorkshire's crimefighters."

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sukh says...
3:35pm Wed 30 Dec 09

I was surprised to see that anyone was using the cycle paths in York as I noticed that none appeared to have been salted or gritted. On Water End cyclists were riding on the road yesterday and not the cycle path presumably because they were still so icy more than a week after the snow fell. Not a good effort by the Cycling City!

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The Grim Reaper says...
3:47pm Wed 30 Dec 09

pedalling paul wrote:
I recall North Yorkshire Police patrolling these old railway routes in the past, with motor bikes. These were a County wide resource and not always available in York. But now we have a good number of officers who are trained in cycling skills, and well equipped to continue this role. Please always report actual or perceived incidents to the police. This will generate good intelligence, and perhaps enable patrolling patterns to be beneficially changed. Visit www.999cycletraining .com to learn about national cycle training that is offered right here in York, for Police and Paramedics.
I see goody two pedals has donned his Marje Proops hat. get a grip man - BORING!!!!!

To the bloke who hit back at these scum-bags, WELL DONE.

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pedalling paul says...
3:50pm Wed 30 Dec 09

Goody two pedals...that's a new one!

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A taxpayer says...
5:45pm Wed 30 Dec 09

Have you tried reporting a crime, last time I waited an hour at Fulford with all the flotsam reporting in on bail before a civilian took details then said an officer would call to arrange to see me. I don't even try ringing in, it either rings out or is engaged, and it costs a fortune. Unless your making an insurance claim greater than your excess which is hard these days unless your house burns down or your car is worth more than £500 there's no point. Government statistics are made to look how they want to see them anyway.

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Garrowby Turnoff says...
6:07pm Wed 30 Dec 09

Stay locked up at home. It's safer.

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Alucard says...
11:30pm Wed 30 Dec 09

"""The mugging comes after another attempted robbery just a few hundred yards away on August 2. In that, a 20-year-old woman was dragged down the alleyway at the side of the Co-op in East Parade by two men. """

Another nearly seven months ago in the vicinity. Definite connection then

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