Police have released this photo-fit of a man who threatened a 76-year-old woman with a knife in her own home.

Photo-fit of the man sought

They hope it will jog people's memory or that someone will recognise the culprit and come forward with new leads.

The woman's ordeal took place last month when the young man talked his way into the woman's home in Rosedale Avenue, Acomb, York, pulled out a kitchen knife and demanded cash.

The plucky pensioner refused to be intimidated and struggled to disarm him. But she was unable to do so and he ran off, taking with him her blue plastic purse.

Sgt Colin Ventress, of York Police, said officers were pursuing several leads on the attack, which took place on November 21, at 8pm and left the woman shocked, but uninjured.

"This was a very frightening and distressing attack on an elderly member of the community," he said.

"We hope the public will give our officers every assistance with our inquiries and that this picture may just jog someone's memory.

"If anyone thinks they do recognise the man we would ask them to come forward and help - this is a crime against a vulnerable old lady."

The woman described her attacker as aged between 18 and 20, tall and thin with a pale, thin face, staring eyes, and short, fair hair.

She said he appeared nervous and confused, was quite dishevelled and some of the time "talked rubbish" to her.

York police believe he is a local man and ask anyone who recognises him to contact the Crime Desk on York (01904) 631321.

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