TWO thugs left a man with a battered face and a brain injury in an unprovoked attack in York.

Police have now launched a manhunt for the attackers who inflicted the injuries on the 40-year-old victim.

The assault happened shortly after 4am on Friday at Station Rise, near York railway station.

The victim had picked up a takeaway at the Salt And Pepper fast food restaurant, in Rougier Street, when he was approached by two men, both aged about 25, outside Club Salvation.

Police say the men walked with the victim to Station Rise where they turned on him and attacked him, beating him so hard the man was left bleeding and unconscious.

The two men then ran off in the direction of the National Railway Museum.

A passer-by alerted emergency services after spotting the unconscious victim – who was wearing a white shirt and jeans – by the side of the road.

The man, who lives in Goole, was taken to York Hospital with multiple fractures to his face and bruises to his brain tissue.

His injuries were said to be serious, but not life-threatening. He has since discharged himself from hospital.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward to help hunt down the men behind the attack.

Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: “This appears to be a horrific, unprovoked attack on an innocent man who suffered facial fractures and contusions to the brain as a result. North Yorkshire Police would urge anyone, with any information, to come forward.”

A police spokesman said it was thought the two men had been drinking before the attack took place.

Both offenders are described as being white, aged about 25 and of medium build. One of the men had dark hair and was wearing dark trousers and a dark T-shirt with a distinctive rectangle pattern on the front.

The second had blond hair was wearing a dark T-shirt and dark trousers.

Anyone with any information should phone PC Amanda Bostwick at North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.