A student was threatened at knifepoint in an attempted burglary earlier today.
A man and a woman who were on bicycles demanded money from the University of York student, before he was pushed to the ground and threatened with a knife, near the entrance to St Nicholas Fields.
The incident took place at 2.50 am, when the lone male student was walking along Melrosegate from Hull Road and he was approached by the couple from the opposite direction.
Nothing was taken and the student was not injured.
After the confrontation, the pair took off along Alcuin Avenue leaving the victim “shaken by the incident”.
David Duncan, the University Registrar & Secretary, said: ”We are very concerned to hear about this incident.
“Our Student Support Services team is available if the student wishes to contact them for assistance and support.
“Violent crime is rare in York, but we will be discussing with the Police how we respond to this incident and whether we need to issue further advice to members of the University community.”
The student described the male suspect as a white man, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, aged late 20s to early 30s, wearing a grey or dark hooded top with the hood up and had stubble. His bike was dark-coloured.
The woman was white, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build, aged in her 30s and wearing a hooded top with the hood up.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed or have information about the encounter to contact the York Serious Crime Team by dialling 101 or emailing [email protected], or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Earlier this term York Vision reported on a similar knife-wielding incident in nearby Tang Hall when armed police stormed a student house to apprehend a violent neighbour.
Contact your College Team, YUSU, GSA or Student Support now or in the future if affected by an unusual incident like this.