ONE man had a finger almost bitten off and another suffered a fractured jaw in two separate fights in York city centre early today.

In one of the incidents, a woman who was six months pregnant was taken to hospital suffering from shock.

Sergeant Colin Ventress said: "At about 12.30am we attended reports of a fight in Rougier Street. One man was taken to hospital with facial injuries and a fractured jaw, the pregnant woman as a precaution."

The other fight was near The Gallery nightclub, in Clifford Street, at 12.05am.

Sgt Ventress said: "After attending reports of a disturbance we found one man with a finger half bitten off.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment and was still there this morning."

"We are seeking witnesses to both these incidents, so if anyone saw anything please get in touch."

Police are not connecting the two brawls, Sgt Ventress said.

Dave Harrison, general manager at The Gallery, said: "The fight was on the corner near the York Dungeon, and not inside the club.

"Two youths had been shouting abuse at each other in reception, so one was put out.

"Five minutes later the other was put out, but the first lad must have waited for him.

"A fight broke out and our doormen intervened. They restrained four lads until the police arrived and gave first aid to the one with the injured finger."

One man has been arrested in connection with each fight. They are both in custody at Fulford Road Police Station, York.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Detective Constable Phil Anson on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:34 Monday, April 29, 2002