A courageous York cyclist said today his padded jacket saved his life during a terrifying knife attack.

Mark Sykes, 18, who lives off Broadway, today relived the nightmare of being knocked off his bike and slashed with a three-inch blade combat knife.

The 18-year-old supermarket worker, a jujitsu black belt, fought off his attackers using his martial arts skills, but was unable to stop them stealing his yellow Raleigh mountain bike and mobile phone.

Two teenagers, aged about 18 and 16, ambushed Mr Sykes as he rode past Heslington parish church, in Field Lane, late at night.

He told the Evening Press: "It was terrifying - before I knew where I was they had knocked me to the floor.

"The older one waved a knife over my head and threatened to kill me unless I handed over my valuables."

The second attacker then punched Mr Sykes in the face after he refused to give him his mobile phone.

He retaliated and managed to knocked the second youth to the ground.

The knife-wielding attacker then tried to slash him, but again he hit back with a karate punch to the face.

Mr Sykes said: "I feared for my life - he tried to stab me about four times and I had to use my martial arts to fend him off.

"The last attack sliced through my jacket and could have definitely killed me if it wasn't for its thickness."

The attackers eventually fled in the direction of Windmill Lane after grabbing his bike and mobile phone.

Mr Sykes suffered facial bruising and a knife wound to his hand.

"There was blood pouring everywhere", he said, "I fought for my life.

"When I got home I collapsed with shock and cried.

"If I hadn't fought back I believe I could be on a life-support machine now."

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: "This was a terrifying experience for the cyclist and we would urge any witnesses to come forward. These teenagers are very dangerous."

The older attacker is described as about 5ft 3in, with a goatee and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and baggy cream jeans, while the other is about 5ft 6in, wearing a black jacket and white Nike cap.

Anyone with information telephone York police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 09:48 Thursday, March 22, 2001