A YORK man convalescing after brain surgery was thrown to the ground and kicked in the face after being attacked from behind by cowardly youths.

Paul Woodall, 40, said a gang of youths in New Earswick could have killed him when they "jumped" him, hitting him over the head and forced him to the ground.

The former power engineer said his skull remained weak after two operations to remove non-malignant tumours and he was undergoing further tests after doctors raised fears of a third.

Police now urgently want to speak to a couple seen walking their dog minutes before the attack, which took place just before midnight on Saturday, near the Petland shop, in New Earswick. Mr Woodall, who lives in the village, said he has since received hospital treatment for bruising to his face and ear, a chipped tooth and cuts.

He said: "It is enough if you get a slight impact. If the blows had been a bit higher or if they had kicked a bit harder it could well have killed me.

"People do not seem to be bothered. They just do not seem to have any sense of anything, they just do whatever they want."

Mr Woodall said he had little memory of the attack, apart from a young girl "screaming" and shouting at another youth to "leave him alone".

He cannot describe the group, which he thinks could have been up to half a dozen people, but remembers that some were wearing white trainers.

The attack occurred as he walked home alone from the Flag and Whistle pub. A couple walking their dog passed him seconds before the attack began.

Just two months ago, two young men were described by police as "lucky to be alive" after they were badly beaten by attackers in New Earswick as they returned home from a night out in York.

A York Police spokesman said they were investigating the assault and urged any members of the public in the area at about 11.45pm on Saturday night to phone 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:52 Tuesday, October 07, 2003