YORK doctors today revealed the extent of violence on the streets of the city.

The number of serious facial injuries treated at York Hospital has more than DOUBLED in three years.

Two patients a week, or 106 a year, are now undergoing surgery for broken cheekbones, damaged eye sockets and broken noses and jaw bones - injuries most commonly associated with violent attacks - compared with 46 in 2000.

The city's latest violent crime statistics show an increase of 53.7 per cent, up from 10.1 incidents per 1,000 of the population in 2001/2002 to 15.6 per 1,000 of the population, or approximately 850 extra incidents, in 2002/2003.

In the last month, violent incidents included a hammer attack at playing fields in Rawcliffe in which a man suffered a wrist injury, three women being hit in the face by a man in separate attacks in the city centre, and a man suffering eye injuries from in an attack in Chaloners Road, York.

On Saturday, April 19, a man suffered a fractured eye socket and broken cheek bone after he was struck in the face while waiting in the queue outside Flares, Tanner Row, York.

He spent three days in York hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries.

Superintendent Javad Ali, of York Police, said the most serious increase was in common assaults - those resulting in only minor injuries - which had been badly affected by data collection changes for Home Office figures. He said detection rates had improved.

The director of the Safer York Partnership, Jane Mowat, said York was comparatively safe, but work was underway to ensure that the increase in violence did not continue, including an increased police presence in trouble hotspots and improved alcohol education.

Martin Telfer, consultant maxillofacial surgeon at the hospital, said all studies have shown that the major cause of facial injury is violence - with alcohol a major factor.

Mr Telfer said: "Interpersonal violence would account for about half of our work, with the other half caused by road traffic accidents, sporting injuries and other causes. The majority are men, but ladies are not immune.

"We perceived that the numbers had increased but we were slightly surprised that there was a doubling of cases."

Supt Ali said: "We will not tolerate any form of violence in the city. This is demonstrated by an increase in arrests and the fact that we have increased the number of people who have been charged with these offences. York is a safe place in which to live and visit."

Updated: 11:31 Monday, April 28, 2003