A 71-YEAR-OLD woman was seriously injured in what police called "an unprovoked attack" in York.

North Yorkshire Police were called to Beckfield Lane, Acomb, at 5pm on Tuesday, where the elderly woman had been assaulted outside the CoOp store.

A spokeswoman said a 22-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and remains in police custody.

The victim was taken to York Hospital but police said her injuries were "not as serious as first thought". She remains in hospital at this time.

The spokeswoman said officers believed this was an isolated incident, and extra patrols would be conducted in the area, "to reassure the local community".