Bags snatched from two victims, and teenager has £1,200 bike stolen

Police today described the attack on the 72-year-old woman as "cowardly", and appealed for witnesses.

The incident happened in Bishopthorpe Road, just yards from the pensioner's home in Rectory Gardens, shortly before noon yesterday.

Sgt Colin Ventress, of York police, said the woman was approached from behind by a man who snatched the bag, which contained groceries, cash and cards.

The man ran off towards Scarcroft Road, pursued by a member of the public, but was not caught.

Sgt Ventress said the elderly woman was shaken by the ordeal.

"This was a cowardly and disgusting attack on a pensioner, and we would appeal for anyone who saw the incident or the man running from the scene to contact us," he said.

The man is described as white, 6ft tall with wavy, fair hair.

He was wearing nylon tracksuit bottoms, a blue anorak and white trainers.

Adam Cook, 15, of Bishopthorpe Road, has offered a £100 reward for the return of his cycle.

He was riding the custom-built Kona Chute mountain bike along Upper Price Street at about 7.30pm yesterday when someone stepped out of an alleyway and dragged him off it.

"They put their arm around my neck and I ended up face down on the street," said Adam, who is a pupil at Millthorpe School and works part-time in a cycle shop.

"My bike was ripped out from under me and I got a couple of blows to my head."

Laying dazed on the road, Adam was unable to get a description of his attackers, although he believes there were three of them.

The bike has a yellow and grey frame and orange forks.

In another incident, at around 10.15pm yesterday, two youths snatched a bag from a woman outside a newsagent's in Clifton Green.

The youths are described as in their late teens or early 20s. One was 5ft 6in tall and wearing a red top and dark trousers.

His accomplice was taller, with a light coloured hat and dark trousers.

If you have any information about any of the robberies, contact York police on 01904 631321.