POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a "vicious and unprovoked" attack on a man in York.

They said the 43-year-old victim suffered severe bruising and swelling to his face and may have major nerve damage, after he was repeatedly punched and kicked by two teenagers in Front Street, Acomb.

The man was attacked after the two youths walked past him and then began shouting.

One of the youths then walked back towards him and punched the victim. The other youth then joined in the attack.

The pair punched and kicked him until he fell to the ground. They then ran off towards Chapelfields.

Both youths were thought to be aged about 17 years and were wearing light-coloured trainers. The first was about 5ft 8ins tall, of medium to thin build, with short, possibly cropped, dark hair. He was wearing a red, zip-up fleece jacket and may also have had very faint scars around his eyes.

The second youth was about 5ft 6ins tall, thin, and was wearing a white hooded, zip-up fleece jacket.

The incident happened at about 5pm on Saturday, December 14.

PC Ben Thompson, who is investigating the incident, said: "There has been an unfortunate delay in this being released to the press. This is due to ongoing inquiries and information being gathered."

Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any information should contact PC Thompson at Acomb police station on 01904 631321.

Updated: 11:29 Saturday, January 25, 2003