a method of and an apparatus for pneumatically removing a fibrous ribbon or a severed yarn end from the spinning rotor of an open - end spinning machine in the event of an interruption in the spinning process having the steps of withdrawing the fibrous ribbon or severed yarn end from the spinning rotor by directing a first pressure air stream against the mouth of an air withdrawing duct , and scavenging the spinning rotor by directing a second pressure air stream against a collecting channel of the spinning rotor in order to remove any severed fibers and impurities .