A MAN told today how he was repeatedly kicked and stamped on by three would-be robbers in a vicious unprovoked attack.

Michael Shilleto, from Acomb, York, was knocked unconscious, suffered severe bruising and needed stitches over his eye, following the incident in Hamilton Drive.

A passing member of the public raised the alarm after finding him lying on the pavement.

"I saw two groups of lads arguing in Holgate Road on my way home but I just ignored them," said Michael, who is still off work because of his injuries.

"As I turned down Hamilton Drive three of them shouted 'let's get him' and charged after me.

"I tried to run off but they caught me and knocked me to the ground.

"They repeatedly jumped on me and stamped on my head. I was shouting for help at the top of my voice but no-one came. Eventually everything went black and they had gone when I woke up.

"They kept demanding money but I didn't have any - that's why I was walking."

The incident took place at 1.30am on Sunday, November 17, near English Martyrs' RC Primary School.

PC Ben Thompson, of York Police, said: "This was a very nasty attack. The motivation appeared to be robbery but nothing was taken."

"The victim can't give us much information and unfortunately no-one has come forward."

One of the men was white, 5ft 9in, of medium build, aged between 19 and 21 and had fair hair, with distinctive crooked teeth.

The second attacker was very similar to the first and may have been his brother.

The third man was white, 5ft 9in, of medium build, aged between 19 and 21, and had wavy light-coloured hair cropped quite short.

Mr Shiletto said he looked like Ashley from Coronation Street and may also have sustained a bite mark to one of his fingers during the attack.

Anyone with information should contact PC Thompson at Acomb police station on 01904 631321.

Updated: 16:16 Thursday, December 12, 2002