POLICE said yesterday they have not ruled out a possible link between two knife attacks in the early hours of Sunday.

The first of the two incidents in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, happened at 2am in Skipton Road, near its junction with Sykes Grove.

A man in his early 20s was walking from the town centre when he was approached by another man, who pulled out a knife.

He threatened and then grabbed the victim, who received injuries to his arms and upper body, and lost his shirt in the struggle, before he managed to escape.

His attacker was described as 5ft 8in, about 24, of average build with short, dark, spiky hair. He was wearing a light coloured shirt and trousers.

The second attack happened 30 minutes later on the railway bridge between Mayfield Grove and Dragon Road.

A man walking across the bridge was approached by a man who threatened him with a knife and demanded various items. His victim was pushed over before undisclosed items were stolen, and the attacker ran off along Nidd Vale Terrace, towards the town centre.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "On this occasion there was a clear motive of robbery. The victim suffered slight injuries, but was extremely distressed by this frightening incident."

The attacker, who was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, had a similar description to the first.

The spokesman said: "We are investigating the incidents separately but cannot discount a link between them."

Anyone in the area at the time or who witnessed the attacks is asked to call Harrogate CID on (01423) 539334