A WOMAN in her 30s was left terrified when a man claiming to be a taxi driver tried to force his way into her York home in the early hours of the morning.

Householders were today warned to be on their guard after the incident and witnesses are being sought by Clifton Moor police.

The woman, who lives in the Longwood Road area of Clifton Moor, answered her front door at around 1am yesterday morning after hearing repeated loud banging.

The man at the door said he was a taxi driver. She said she had not ordered a taxi, but he insisted he was from a local taxi company.

PC Bob Williams, of Clifton Moor Police, said: "She said she wasn't happy with this, at which point he tried to force his way into the house.

"She managed to keep him away and shut the door and then lock it and she phoned the police.

"She was very, very shaken.

"This is not the usual sort of thing we deal with and we are appealing for any information."

The man was described as aged 28 to 30, with blond spiky hair, and of an average height and build. He spoke with a local accent and had a good knowledge of the York area.

He drove away in a large saloon car, either dark blue or black, which looked like a Peugeot 406 or a similar car. It has a spring mounted aerial on the roof, on the driver side of the car at the back. The engine sounded like a diesel engine.

Anyone with information should telephone 01904 631321.

Updated: 08:26 Thursday, January 24, 2002