A FRENCH backpacker was robbed at knifepoint in a terrifying daylight attack in York's Museum Gardens.

The tourist, aged 18, was walking alone close to the toilets in the gardens when he was threatened by two men just before 3pm yesterday afternoon.

They stole £30 and ran off towards Marygate.

Det Con Manzoor Mohammed, of York Police, said: "This man has been backpacking round England and had been in York for a few days.

"He had been looking round the Minster and the Museum Gardens."

He said the man had been frightened during the incident, but said he was from near Paris and was used to no-go areas, so had taken it "quite well".

Det Con Mohammed said: "We're putting our resources into it and hopefully we're going to catch these people."

He appealed for any witnesses to come forward, particularly a 14-year-old girl who saw the attack. She had black hair and was wearing a black top and glasses.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "We're extremely concerned by this news. York does have a reputation for being a safe city, and research shows this is one reason why people choose to visit.

"The tourism bureau works closely with the city's Safer York Partnership, which is made up of representatives from the city council, the police and other partners to ensure the city is a safe and hospitable place to visit.

"This news is very disheartening, and we will be discussing what more can be done to make the city a safer place for visitors."

The two attackers were white, aged about 20. The first had a broken front tooth and was wearing a black woollen hat and a sky blue jacket. The second was wearing a black Adidas hat. Anyone with information should phone York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:51 Monday, February 11, 2002