BUS passengers were forced to disembark after their driver witnessed a vicious assault on a woman in a York street.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack, which left the victim, who is in her 50s, needing hospital treatment for a broken nose, broken teeth and two black eyes.

The victim was punched to the ground by a man in his 40s, in Thanet Road, Acomb, at about 10.30pm on Sunday. She was then kicked while she lay on the floor.

The female driver of an ftr bus, which was parked nearby, saw what happened and had to ask passengers to leave the bus while she stayed and made a statement to police.

Officers are now trying to trace any passengers who may also have witnessed the assault.

A York Police spokesman said: "In particular we would like to hear from any passengers on the ftr bus, number 119029, which was parked at the Thanet Baths bus stop, outside the Acorn Rugby Club on Thanet Road at the time of the attack.

"The bus driver, who we have the details of, had to empty the bus because she witnessed the attack and she had to stay to give a statement to the officers.

"This was a particularly nasty attack and we are hoping some of the passengers, who we do not have any details for, may also have witnessed it."

The victim was taken to York Hospital, where she was kept in overnight.

She was released from hospital on Monday, but is still receiving on going treatment for her injuries.

A man was arrested on Sunday night in connection with the incident, and later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Emma Goodridge on 01904 669 358.