Poacher suspected after man suffers knife attack ordeal

At 5.45pm on Sunday the victim, a 22-year-old man, was walking by the river on his father's land when he noticed three men with dogs he thought were poaching.

When he confronted them, one of the men produced a large knife and slashed the victim's shirt before making off, possibly in a Ford Transit van.

Fortunately the victim was uninjured.

The e-fit shows the man with the knife, who is white, aged between 20 and 30, about 6ft, of medium build, and with short hair shaved into the sides.

He was wearing camouflage jacket and trousers and green Wellingtons.

The second man is white, aged 20-30 years, about 6ft 4in, of heavy build. He had a scruffy appearance and was wearing camouflage gear.

The third man is described as white, aged 20-30, about 5ft 5in, with a slim weasel-looking face. He was also scruffy and wearing camouflage gear.

Pc Katie Shaw, of Malton Police, said the victim was very shaken.

"We are keen to trace the men involved and are appealing for witnesses who saw anyone matching the descriptions of the offenders in the area at the time to get in touch with the police or Crimestoppers immediately.

"Police would like to warn people to be very careful when approaching suspicious individuals on their land.

"If you encounter any suspicious people or vehicles take a description and call the police."

Anyone with any information that could help the police is urged to contact PC Shaw on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12100073830.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Last summer police warned members of the public to keep a close look-out for poachers.

The warning followed two incidents in Nunnington and Salton which involved groups of men and dogs operating in local fields.