Have-a-go hero threatened at knifepoint

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Have-a-go hero threatened at knifepoint attempting to catch thief who stole York postman’s bike

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8244226 ... ___s_bike/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Police said the Royal Mail bicycle was stolen from Dale Street, off Nunnery Lane, after the postman left it unattended to deliver mail to nearby homes.

A short time later, an ex-postman spotted two youths pushing a Royal Mail bike into Scarcroft Road allotments and became suspicious.

Sergeant Neil Wood, of Micklegate safer neighbourhood team, said when the youths emerged from the allotments and saw the man on his mobile phone, one of them threatened him with a knife.

Sgt Wood said: “He has obviously realised this member of the public has cottoned on to what they have done and has threatened him not to phone the police.

“What they have done is appalling. Any kind of crime involving a weapon or the threat to use a weapon is very serious.”

Sgt Wood said once the knife-wielding offender had threatened the man, at about noon on Friday, he jumped on another bike and cycled off.

He said as the offender turned the corner into Wentworth Street he cycled past the postman whose bike he had stolen and taunted him by waving the keys to his bike lock, and said: “Are you missing these?”

Sgt Wood said no mail was stolen and both the Royal Mail bike and lock were recovered from Scarcroft Road allotments.

He said a 17-year-old man had been arrested and released on bail in connection with the incident and appealed for help in tracing the second man. The offender is described as white, aged about 18, of stocky build, about 5ft 5ins tall and with a distinctive tattoo on his neck, possibly of a Celtic design. He was wearing a white t-shirt with black tracksuit bottoms.

Anybody with information should phone Sgt Wood on 0845 60 60 247.