A burglar who held a York student at knifepoint in his home was frightened off after his victim fought back.

Chris Metcalfe, 19, found the man in his house in Sussex Road, Badger Hill, after coming downstairs.

He said anger overtook fear as the intruder pulled out a folding knife.

"He pulled the knife out and threatened me," he said.

"I was a bit scared of the knife, but mainly I was just very angry and I punched him and saw him off."

"He was a big guy, about 6ft tall, but I'm 6ft 4ins."

Chris, a maths student at York University, suffered two small cuts to his arms during the scuffle but did not need medical attention.

The man had got into the house through a back door which had been left open after Mr Metcalfe had hung washing in the garden.

The incident sparked warnings from police that students should pay close attention to security, particularly when living in shared houses.

Sergeant Dave Williams said: "I wouldn't say that thieves were targeting student houses specifically, but there have been a succession of burglaries in the Fulford Road and Heslington Road areas.

"I would urge all students to think seriously about security.

"I know it's more difficult in the summer and if you're living in a shared house, but you must always keep doors locked, even when you're in the house."

Police have described the man as aged 20 to 25, 6ft tall with a proportionate build and dark brown hair in a pony tail.

He was wearing a black waxed jacket.

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