TWO women dressed as Vikings stood up to an attempted armed robbery, forcing the would-be muggers to leave empty-handed.

The pair were walking along the River Ouse in York at 2.30am on Sunday, June 1, when they were approached by two men at Water End.

The men threatened the women with a knife and demanded they hand over their purses and money. But according to police, the women, dressed in Viking costume, refused to hand anything over and the suspects had to leave empty-handed.

Detectives in York are now investigating the attempted armed robbery.

They have issued a description of the two men; the first was white, 5ft 5in to 5ft 7in tall. At the time he was wearing a black hooded jacket and black trousers. The lower half of his face was covered with either a scarf or a jumper.

The second suspect is also white, around 5ft 7in tall and slim. He was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

Detective Constable Alicja Wdowiak, of York CID, said: “Thankfully neither of the women were harmed as a result of this incident. However, the experience has naturally left them shaken.

“If you were on the footpath near the River Ouse around the time of the attempted robbery and saw two men acting suspiciously, I urge you to contact police straight away.”

Anyone who can help detectives can contact York CID on 101, select option two and ask for Alicja Wdowiak. Alternatively, information can be emailed to alicja.wdowiak@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111, quoting reference number 12140087957.