POLICE today put York residents on alert after a spate of street crime in the city.

The warning came after two robberies, a string of pickpocket incidents and a bogus nurse visit - all in broad daylight on the same day.

In the most violent incident, a gang of robbers pounced off Leeman Road, near York Railway Station.

Three males stalked their victim to a back alley before one punched him to the floor.

The yobs then stole about £50 from his pocket and cycled off on bikes towards Leeman Road.

Police said the victim, who was on his way to work when he was attacked at 3pm on Friday, was not seriously injured.

The second robbery, just over two hours later at 5.35pm, saw two thugs rob a man in Museum Gardens.

The victim and a friend were walking through the gardens when their attackers asked for cash.

When the pair said no, one was pushed against a wall and his wallet was stolen from his pocket. Police said one of the offenders was wearing a red hood and the other a black top.

Elsewhere, police put shoppers on pickpocket alert after a handbag snatch in York Market.

Thieves struck in Jubber-gate at about 1pm on Friday when the victim was walking through stalls near Marks & Spencer.

A York Police spokeswoman said: "She felt a tug, turned around and some youths were running off carrying her handbag."

The bag contained cash and bank cards. The woman was not hurt.

The spokeswoman confirmed that two pickpocket thefts were also reported in Marks & Spencer on the same day.

One victim had a purse swiped from her pocket, while another lost a handbag.

The spokeswoman added: "There are clearly pickpockets operating in that area and people should be careful with their wallets, purses and bags."

Meanwhile, an elderly woman was left shocked after a crook claiming to be a district nurse rifled through her purse.

It happened at Barley Fields, off Shipton Road, at about 3pm on Friday, and the intruder also went into the pensioner's room and rifled through drawers.

Police believe money was stolen, but are waiting for more information from the victim.

Updated: 10:38 Monday, August 08, 2005