A MAN told today how he was grabbed round the neck and nearly throttled during a terrifying street robbery in York city centre.

John Gatenby, 32, of Speculation Street, York, was walking along Pavement on his way home at 11.15 last night when he was approached by a man and asked if he had any "weed".

"I told him I didn't have any, so he grabbed hold of me and pulled me along Shambles into the market," said the 32-year-old, who is unemployed.

"He put his arm around my neck and squeezed until I couldn't breathe. I was forced to take off my ring and give it to him and he also grabbed my watch.

"He then asked if I had a mobile phone or any money, but I managed to wriggle free and run off.

"I was absolutely terrified - I'm still shaking now."

Police said that five minutes earlier at 11.10pm, another man was butted in the face in Parliament Street when he refused to hand over money to a man of similar description.

The victim sustained a bloody nose in the attack, but refused medical attention.

Mr Gatenby's attacker is described as being white, 5ft 8in tall, with black hair. He was wearing a blue jumper with a white stripe across the chest.

The attacker in the other incident is described as being white, 5ft 8in tall, of slim build with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a blue sports fleece top with a white stripe across the chest and spoke with a local accent.

A spokesman for York police said: "It could well be the same man involved in both incidents.

"It was very distressing for the victims."

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a woman was grabbed from behind by a man as she walked along an alleyway between Gale Lane and Tennant Road, in Acomb, at 4.30pm yesterday.

The attacker fled the scene after she refused to let go of her handbag.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to phone York police on 01904 631321.

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 16:48 Wednesday, November 13, 2002