A MAN is in hospital today in a critical condition after a violent assault outside a popular York night spot.

The 60-year-old suffered serious head injuries after being attacked outside Yates's Wine Lodge, in Low Ousegate.

Paramedics were called to the riverside walkway, off Ouse Bridge, outside the doors to the busy bar at about 11pm last night. Police sealed off the area and a team of scene of crime officers have made two visits to undertake forensic examinations.

Sgt Andy Farrar, of York Police, said there had been a serious assault close to the main entrance of the pub.

He said: "At about 11pm on Friday an incident occurred outside Yates's Wine Lodge in York. A 60-year-old male was assaulted and taken to hospital where his injuries are described as critical."

Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman Nigel Metcalfe said paramedics treated the man at the scene before taking him to York Hospital.

The incident occurred only yards from where York father-of-four Mick Brolly was attacked and killed by a gang in September 2001.

Neither manager Roy Stephens or assistant manager Jamie Carr, of Yates's Wine Lodge, was available to comment.

York Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at about 11pm to call them on 01904 631321.

In a separate incident a 17-year-old boy was pushed off his bike and threatened with a knife outside the Brigadier Gerard pub, in Monkgate.

The victim was on his way home from work when he was attacked by a man who stole his mobile phone and left him sprawled across the road at about 10pm. The attacker is described as white, male, aged about 18, with short mousy brown hair and a long thin face wearing a cream outdoor jacket with dark stripes and blue jeans.

Updated: 12:55 Saturday, April 19, 2003