A YORK schoolgirl was slashed across the face by a robber only hours before she was due to sit her GCSE exams.

The 16-year-old was walking in an alleyway between Museum Gardens and Exhibition Square when the man, who had a jaundiced, yellow complexion and bad teeth, approached her.

He asked her for cigarettes before pulling out what is believed to be a craft knife and slashing her face. The attacker then stole £5 and made off at about 11.45am yesterday.

The man, who wore scruffy clothing, also spoke to the girl on Sunday after approaching her in the Museum Gardens area. He offered to sell her marijuana and showed her a distinctive tattoo on his leg.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said the girl received hospital treatment for her injury, but was back at school today. It is not known if she required stitches.

He said: "Police want to trace this man as a matter of urgency. If anyone recognises this description they should call the witness line on 01904 669884."

The attacker is white, 5ft 8in tall and has an unkempt appearance. He has bad teeth with some missing. A tattoo on his right lower leg is made up of capital letters.

Updated: 13:33 Tuesday, May 11, 2004