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The cash machine at Barclays bank, in The Village, Haxby

DETECTIVES are investigating after an armed robber tried to steal cash from a man at knifepoint in a York suburb.

Officers from York CID are investigating the attempted knife-point robbery, which happened at about 7pm outside Barclays bank, in The Village, Haxby on Easter Monday.

A 58-year-old man was withdrawing money from a cash machine when he was approached by a man wearing a black hooded-top who produced a knife and demanded cash.

The victim did not hand over any money and immediately ran away.

But the robber ran after him, chasing him across the road and around two passing cars. The cars were both brought to a standstill by the two men near the zebra crossing.

The offender eventually gave up the chase and was last seen walking off in the direction of the working men's club in North Lane.

Councillor David Rice, chairman of Haxby Town Council, said: "I've never known something like this to happen here before.

"It could have been anybody from anywhere because we are on the direct bus route into York."

A spokeswoman for Barclays said the branch was not open at the time of the incident.

She warned customers to take extra care when using the cash machine.

She said: "We would always encourage customers to put their own safety first and to be aware of their surroundings.

"If they think someone is watching them then they should cancel the transaction immediately and report the incident to the branch or the police as quickly as possible. Customers should not accept help from well-meaning strangers and never allow themselves to be distracted."

The knifeman is described as white, aged about 30, approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, of muscular build and clean-shaven, with dark eyes. He was wearing a black hooded top, dark trousers and dark shoes.

DC Martin Hinchliffe, of York CID, is appealing for any witnesses to come forward as soon as possible.

He particularly wants to hear from the occupants of the two cars which stopped near the zebra crossing as the victim was being chased.

DC Hinchliffe said: "Although the victim escaped uninjured, he was naturally very shaken by this frightening incident.

"It is now vitally important that the offender is brought to justice and I'm appealing for any information that could help the investigation.

"If anybody recognises the offender from the description, it is their public duty to report it to the police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Hinchliffe on 0845 6060247 or email martin.hinchliffe@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, they can pass on information anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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10:59am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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