Man slashed woman's arm with knife during failed bag snatch attempt in York park

A woman was slashed with a knife during an attempted robbery in York.

The woman in her 40s was walking by herself near the corner of the skate park in York’s Rowntree Park on Saturday afternoon.

She was on the footpath heading towards the Millennium Bridge between 5.05pm and 5.10pm when a man cycled up behind her.

The man slashed her arm with a knife, causing a 2cm cut. Officers believe he was trying to cut the strap of the purple shoulder bag that was over her right shoulder, but missed.

The attack lasted for a matter of seconds, nothing was said to the victim and nothing was stolen. The suspect did not stop and rode off on his bike towards the Millennium Bridge.

The park was very busy at the time and officers are appealing to anyone who was there between 4.45pm and 5.20pm on Saturday 18 June to come forward.

The suspect is described as slim with well-groomed, short, dark brown hair and was wearing a black jumper. He was riding a grey or silver mountain bike.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for York Serious Crime Team.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12160107185 when passing on information.