REVELLERS were today warned to be on their guard after a young woman was robbed while walking home from York at night.

Richard Marsden, 18, said his friend was attacked after being approached by two youths and a girl in an alleyway near St Peter's School, Clifton.

As already reported in the Evening Press last week, she was punched in the face and her bag containing cash, bank cards, mobile phone and make-up was stolen.

Police are still hunting the culprits. Mr Marsden - who tackled one of the robbers - said: "People should be careful when walking down Bootham towards Clifton.

"I just wanted to make people aware of what happened in that area."

Mr Marsden, 18, was walking home from a friend's birthday party with pals in the early hours of Saturday, July 24, when two women friends walked on and separated from the main group.

Opposite a pub in Burton Stone Lane, he said one of his friends, 18, was kicked as the other, 17, was punched in the face and robbed.

Mr Marsden, who lives in York, said: "I chased one of the youths who had the bag and rugby-tackled him to the floor. But he kicked me in the chest and got away."

He said the robbery victim was left with scratches on her back and a large bruise on her face.

His other friend was shaken by what he described as a "disgusting" crime.

He called on anyone who might have witnessed the incident or who has information to phone the police on 01904 631321.

A York Police spokeswoman said nobody had been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened at about 12.13am.

Officers are hunting two blond-haired youths wearing baseball caps. The woman was wearing a "sailor-type" top and was said to be 5ft 4in tall, aged about 15 with brown hair and highlights in a pony-tail.

The gang made off in the direction of Peter Hill Drive, Clifton.

The police spokeswoman said: "People should be careful when walking home in this area late at night."

Updated: 10:03 Monday, August 02, 2004