MEMBERS of the public are being asked to contact the police after a brawl erupted in the centre of York.

Worried shop staff alerted officers to the fight in Coppergate, which involved more than 16 men - one dressed in a Superman costume.

Hundreds of people were in the area, and CCTV footage shows some of them running for cover or hiding in shop doorways.

A teenage girl sheltering in the doorway of Jessops stationers suffered minor injuries when she was hit by a bottle thrown in the disturbance.

The incident happened on Saturday, September 29, at about 4pm.

Sgt Colin Ventress, of York police, said: "Because of the serious nature of the incident it is vitally important that people speak to the police. This was a serious incident on a busy Saturday afternoon and we are anxious that the offenders are dealt with appropriately."

Anyone who saw the disturbance should call PCs Dave Heaven or Alison Newbald at York police station on 01904 631321.

* Eleven men, from the Durham area, were arrested after the incident and later released on police bail. They are due to return to York police station on Sunday, October 28.

Updated: 14:41 Tuesday, October 09, 2001