Civilians praised after police catch knifemen near river and York city walls

Yahoo

27-07-2025

Civilians and officers from London and North Yorkshire combined to catch two alleged knifemen in York city centre.
One of the suspects jumped into the water and the other used the city walls as both tried to escape arrest but neither outran the pursuit.
Afterwards, York police said BID street rangers, Eboracum Security, an off-duty Metropolitan police officer visiting the city and an off-duty North Yorkshire police officer all played key roles in the pursuit and detention of both suspects.
'We'd like to extend a sincere thank you,' a York police spokesman said.
Two men were later released on bail with conditions not to come to York.
Street rangers started the drama by spotting two men whom they believed to be carrying knives and alerted officers of York neighbourhood policing team on foot patrol in the city centre.
Both suspects were located after quick searches of the area and both ran off through the city towards Skeldergate Bridge.
One jumped into the river, but as he got out of the water, he was detained by street rangers and a police sergeant.
(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
The other, who allegedly had a large kitchen knife on him, was caught by a police community support officer with help from a member of Eboracum Security as he tried to escape via the city walls.