THREE German students were held at knifepoint and robbed by a gang in York.

The three boys, aged 15 and 16, were held captive by the four youths, forced to walk alongside the River Ouse at knifepoint, and then separated and robbed.

Their ordeal began in Museum Gardens when the boys, in the city on a language and sport holiday, were approached and told they would be stabbed if they tried to raise the alarm or escape.

Then they were marched several hundred yards along the riverside near Queen Anne School.

When they reached a quiet spot, the boys were separated and were stripped of a watch and their cash.

Now the organisers of their trip have tightened security and warned the students to take extra care when out in public.

They are not allowed to wear any distinguishing foreign logos, and they have been told to speak in English at all times, and to restrict the amount of money they carry.

"We have told them not to shout their mouths off in German," said Louise Vester, formerly of York, who runs the holidays with her husband from their base in Germany.

"We have warned them to travel in groups of three, certainly not in large groups where they can be identified as visitors, and not to draw attention to themselves. And they have been told to stay away from the Museum Gardens.

"It is sad that it has to be this way but safety is our main priority," said Louise.

"These boys were quite shaken by the incident, but thankfully no one was hurt."

Louise and her husband have been organising the holidays in York for several years, and have been happy with the city because it always felt safe.