One of the men put his arm out and stopped the victim, and asked him to hand over any money or his watch. When the victim hesitated, he asked him again. The victim complied and handed the man £18 and his watch. Both of the men then ran off in the direction of York.

The first man is described as white, aged in his early twenties, 6ft 2ins tall, athletic build and broad shoulders. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black Adidas hoody which was pulled up over his head, light grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers. He had an Irish accent. 

The other man is described as white, aged in his early twenties, 6ft tall and average build. He had the lower half of his face covered with possibly a black scarf and only his eyes were visible. He was wearing a black hoody which was pulled up over his head, loose fitting blue jeans and black Nike trainers. He had a Yorkshire accent. 

PC Amanda Popely, of York Police, said: “I am asking for witnesses who saw anyone in the area of Hob Moor Fields at the time to contact the police, as they may have important information that could assist the investigation.”

If you have any information about the theft, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Amanda Popely or York Police. You can also email amanda.popely@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 12150221963 in connection with this incident.