POLICE investigating the horrific mutilation of York tattooist Steven Hunter said today his customers and friends in the city may hold vital clues to help catch the culprits.

Detectives are keen to build up a picture of the victim, including who he mixed and worked with at his studio in the city.

Mr Hunter, 51, who works at the Two Ronnies Tattoo Studio in Clarence Street, had both ears mutilated and was slashed across the face by three knife-wielding robbers who burst into his home in Hull demanding money.

In scenes reminiscent of the ultra-violent Quentin Tarantino film, Reservoir Dogs, he was tortured for more than 30 minutes while tied to a chair.

The robbers - who wore "joke" masks - escaped with a five-figure sum and left Mr Hunter for dead.

Inspector Steve Page, of Humberside Police, said although the inquiry was predominantly centred in the Hull area, they were keen to speak to anyone who knew Mr Hunter in York and could assist with the investigation.

"Certainly we are very confident that the attack was pre-planned - there is no question about that," he said.

"They went to extraordinary lengths to get this money. It would appear that somebody knew he kept money in his house.

"The investigation doesn't centre round York, although officers have made inquiries there."

Mr Hunter, who is too upset to talk, was released from hospital on Friday.

The attack happened on Saturday, February 28, at Mr Hunter's home, off Beverley High Road.

Two of the robbers were about 5ft 9in tall while the third was about 5ft 6in tall.

Anyone with information should phone the Humberside Police witness line on 01482 597500.

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, March 09, 2004