DETECTIVES are appealing for information about two terrifying knifepoint robberies in York.

York CID are investigating the robberies, which both happened in the early hours of yesterday, and want any witnesses to come forward.

Officers believed the two attacks may be linked.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the first incident happened at about 12.30am in Arthur Street, Tang Hall.

He said a 19-year-old man, who was walking by himself at the time, was approached in the street by two men wearing balaclavas. They threatened to use a knife unless he handed over his wallet, mobile phone and keys.

He was forced to hand them over and his attackers then made off in an unknown direction.

The spokesman said the victim was "uninjured, but left shaken by the incident".

Both suspects are described as being white, about 5ft 9ins tall, aged between 20 and 30, of average build and wearing dark clothing. The victim was unable to get a look at their faces because they were covered with balaclavas.

The second incident happened on Fourth Avenue, on the opposite side of Tang Hall, at about 3am.

This time there was only one suspect, who approached a small group of people and threatened them with a knife.

One of the group, a 20-year-old man, suffered a minor slash wound to one of his hands as the suspect demanded he hand over his wallet.

Another of the group, also a 20-year-old man, leapt to his friend's aid and handed over his wallet instead. The offender, who also had his face hidden with a balaclava, was described as white, aged about 20, and was wearing a dark-coloured top.

He was last seen running off towards Fifth Avenue, Layerthorpe.

The police spokesman said: "Due to the similarity in nature and the timing of the incidents, there is a strong possibility that they are linked."

Witnesses to either incident or anyone who may have information that could help the investigation, should phone York CID as soon possible on 0845 60 60 247.