THIS is the gun that was grabbed from an armed man by a brave victim during a street robbery in York.

Police said today that although the black Webley Hurricane gun was an air pistol, there was no way the victim could have known that at the time of the incident.

They also issued a fresh appeal for more information about the attack on a 20-year-old student, which happened in Heslington Road in the early hours of Friday, September 29, while the man was walking home from a night out in York.

They also revealed that the attacker had shouted out loudly the name "Janet" during the struggle. They said that although no one was seen in the area at the time of the attack, it could relate to someone living nearby.

The Press exclusively reported at the time of the robbery how the victim, who is studying at the University of York, turned the tables on the robber when he bravely fought back and snatched the weapon.

The victim told The Press then: "He came stumbling over to me and demanded my property and pulled out the weapon.

"There was a big struggle and we fell to the floor. I hit him once and then leaned to try to get the gun.

So I hit him again and he shouted out. I thought that he was calling for back-up, so I let go of him and started running.

"It was as I was running I realised I still had his gun. I went straight home and called the police."

Detective Constable Craig Wilson, of York CID, said today that the victim had been returning from a night at The Gallery nightclub when he was approached by the gunman and badly bitten in the chest during a violent struggle.

He had been walking alone along Heslington Road in the direction of Green Dykes Lane between 2am and 3am, when he was approached by a white male, who was about 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins, and of average build.

He said: "The man demanded property from the victim and at the same time produced a handgun and threatened the victim with it.

"A violent struggle then ensued between the two men and the attacker has bitten the complainant quite badly in the chest.

"The victim managed to grab the handgun and he ran away along Heslington Road towards Green Dykes Lane.

"The attacker shouted out loudly the name "Janet" during the struggle. Although no one was seen in the area at the time of the attack, it could be someone living nearby.

"We would like to speak to anyone with any knowledge of anyone owning a similar weapon, or anyone who has had one stolen.

"We would also like to speak to anyone who has seen anyone of the attacker's description who could have received facial injuries during the attack, and anyone called "Janet" who knows who this person is to come forward."

He said all calls would be treated in confidence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact York Police on 0845 60 60 247.