THREE robbers threatened a man with blades and a bike chain, then stole his wallet in broad daylight in a busy York street.

The victim, who has not been named, was held up in St Maurice's Road, near Monk Bar.

Two of the robbers were armed with knives, the third with the bike chain.

They stole £90, then rode off on bikes along Cloisters Walk.

Although the man was not injured in the attack, police say he was left "badly shocked."

Sergeant Colin Ventress said: "Somebody must have seen these three. The incident took place in the middle of the day in a relatively busy area, where there will have been a lot of traffic.

"It was a nasty incident. While the victim was uninjured he was obviously badly shocked, and the manner of the attack could have had potentially serious consequences."

The first attacker was carrying an orange and yellow craft knife. He is described as aged 40 to 45, about six feet tall with grey, scraggy shoulder length hair. He was wearing blue jeans, a black canvas short sleeve shirt and had tattoos on his neck and hands.

The second robber was carrying a lock knife. He is said to be in his early 20s, 5ft 8in tall, stockily built with short mousy hair. He was wearing a khaki jacket with a badge on the left breast.

His bike was said to have front and rear suspension with the word 'Specialised' on the frame.

The third man had the bike chain. He was in his early 20s, had a thin face and wearing dark blue denim jeans. He was wearing a dark padded jacket and a dark hat.

All three of the robbers were white.

The robbery took place at about 2.45pm yesterday.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Detective Constable Manzoor Mohammed on 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:15 Friday, April 26, 2002