A PIZZA delivery man had a seven-inch bread knife thrust into his face and was forced to hand over £200 to two hooded attackers in York.

The victim, who works for Haci's Caf, in Front Street, Acomb, was set upon as he made a delivery in Avenue Terrace, Bootham, at about 10pm last Friday.

The terrifying robbery took place only 90 minutes after a man suffered head injuries in an unprovoked attack.

Detectives are not thought to be linking the two incidents, but have not ruled anything out. In the first incident, earlier that night at the junction of Bootham and Bootham Terrace, a 29-year-old man from Rawcliffe was found by police after being hit on the back of the head with an object. An offender was seen running away from the area. He is described as Afro-Caribbean, about 6ft 2in tall, and dressed entirely in black.

Police were called, and the area searched, but no one fitting the description was found. The victim was taken to York District Hospital, but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Later the same night, two men dressed in dark-coloured hooded tops and wraparound-style sunglasses confronted the delivery man as he made the drop in Avenue Terrace.

The victim was punched by one of the attackers and told to hand over his bag containing his takings. When he refused, one of the attackers produced a seven-inch knife, similar to a bread knife, and threatened him again.

This time he handed over the bag, which contained about £200, and the men ran off towards Burton Stone Lane. One of the attackers was white, aged between 18 and 20, 5ft 7in tall and skinny.

Police are appealing for witnesses to both incidents. Anyone with any information should phone York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:37 Tuesday, May 07, 2002