POLICE are investigating after a man was sexually and physically assaulted in York city centre.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after the victim, who is still being interviewed by specially-trained police officers, was attacked in the early hours of yesterday morning outside the former Burger King in High Ousegate.

He was attacked sometime between 1am and 3am while many revellers were still out enjoying their evening.

Police sealed off the scene at 4am yesterday, cordoning off the site.

Last night, officers investigating the crime said the area was likely to be sealed off for "the foreseeable future".

Since sealing the scene, it has been guarded by Police Community Support Officers and crime scene investigators have donned their white suits and carried out a detailed forensic search of the area.

Their investigations outside the premises, which shut its doors in July and is being refitted, continued throughout the day yesterday as thousands of Sunday shoppers curiously looked on.

The sex of the attacker or a description have not yet been released by officers.

Insp Bob Mowat, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Police would like to speak to anyone who was in that area between 1am and 3am on 0845 6060247.

"There is no further information available as the victim is still currently being interviewed."

More details are expected to be revealed today by police investigators.