POLICE are searching for three men in connection with two assaults in York today.

The assaults, which resulted in three men receiving minor facial injuries, all happened in The Mount area of York between 1am and 2am.

A spokeswoman for York Police said: "At around 1am today a male reported he had been assaulted by three youths as he walked home near to Scarcroft Road.

"He said they asked for money and when he said he didn't have any they assaulted him and then walked off towards town.

"He said the youngsters punched him and got him on the floor at the junction of Scarcroft Road and The Mount."

They are described as between 19 and 20, with short cropped hair.

Shortly afterwards, at about 1.45am, another man called the police to report that he and his friend had been assaulted, also by a group of three men.

The police spokeswoman said: "Another assault was reported on Scarcroft Hill, which happened at around 1.45am.

A man said he and his friend had both been assaulted after they were approached by a group of three males. Several items had been taken from one of them including a wallet, mobile phone and a watch.

"Both received minor facial injuries."

If you have any information about either incident call York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 12:53 Saturday, June 02, 2001