A MAN was left with severe face injuries after an early-morning attack in York city centre.

The assault happened at about 2.30am today outside Marks & Spencer’s loading bay on Piccadilly.

A 32-year-old from the Wirral, on Merseyside, suffered facial injuries after being attacked and was taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged.

North Yorkshire Police say two men approached the victim in the middle of the road and attacked him before stealing his Blackberry mobile phone and cash.

They are then believed to have run off along Piccadilly towards the Travelodge at Postern Gate.

Police have been reviewing CCTV footage and say a small hatchback drove directly past the scene. They believe the driver will have seen what happened.

Detective Constable Julie Carter, of York CID, said: “This was a nasty incident which has left the victim with a quite serious facial injury.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident itself or was in the Piccadilly area of York around the time of the robbery to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.

“It is particularly important that the driver of the vehicle who drove past the incident as it happened gets in touch as they may have information which could help the investigation.”

Anybody with information is asked to phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.