A TEENAGER was badly injured when two muggers subjected him to a terrifying attack - for only 60 pence.

The 18-year-old was brutally beaten, jabbed in the eye with a key, causing a deep gash, and had his hand stamped on during his ordeal in York.

He was left with two smashed front teeth, a deep cut above his left eye, damage to his hand, swelling and bruising to his face and head, and bruised and cut lips.

He had been walking along a path, known locally as "gas alley", between Heworth Green and Layerthorpe, when he was confronted by the pair.

The smaller attacker headed straight for him, while the other took a flying kick at his head from the side.

The smaller man then punched the victim and the other attacker joined in knocking him to the ground, where both continued punching him.

The smaller man pulled the victim's arms behind his back and ordered him to hand over his money.

They took 60 pence and a black Zippo lighter from him.

While he was still being held, the larger man punched him in the face, breaking his front teeth.

When they searched his jacket, they found two house keys, and poked him in the eye with one, causing the gash.

The terrified victim managed to get up and tried to run, but the larger man grabbed him, picked him up and threw him to the floor,

As he lay on his back, the man then stamped on his right hand, twisting his heel on it.

The pair then headed off towards Heworth Green.

One was white, about 19, about 5ft 5ins, with short, light-coloured hair, cropped at the sides. He wore a plain, possibly woollen, top, dark trousers and trainers.

The other was in his mid-twenties, about 5ft 10ins and almost bald, with dark stubble at the back of his head and neck area. He wore light-coloured clothing, possibly tracksuit bottoms.

The victim managed to get to Layerthorpe, where a woman told him to phone the police. Officers want to trace this woman and another potential witness, a man seen walking down from the direction of London News and Toys, in East Parade.

The attack happened at about 12.05am on Sunday.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York police, said: "This was an extremely violent attack on a young man, and although he was badly injured, it could have been much worse, given the level of violence directed towards him. We would appeal for anybody who knows anything about this incident, or who was in the area, to come forward."

Anyone with information should call Detective Sergeant Nigel Costello on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:04 Tuesday, April 22, 2003