Spanish tourists attacked by gang in York city centre
Two Spanish tourists were the victims of a horrific attack in York city centre on Sunday.
The couple were walking in the New Street area of the city when they were set upon by five men who attacked the man while repeatedly pushing the woman to the floor, the York Press reports.
The 24-year-old male was taken to York Hospital with a broken jaw, chipped teeth and bruising as a result of the incident.
According to local police, it is thought the couple were singled out purely for being from another country.
The lengthy attack on the couple happened on New Street, Coney Street and St Helen's Square and was only halted when a taxi driver pulled over to help the traumatised couple.
The victims are said to have been exceptionally grateful to the taxi driver for coming to their rescue and stopping his car to intervene.
The Spanish couple are thought to have spent the evening at the Blue Fly Café Bar on New Street, leaving in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The vicious attack took place between 3.40 and 3.50am, the York Mix reports.
PC Sophie Wilson, from the York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "We are doing everything we can investigate this case and bring those responsible to justice.
She added: "We are also providing support to the young couple from Spain who have had their stay tarnished in the most sickening and vicious way."
The suspects are thought to have all had short or shaven hair and been between the ages 20 and 25.
One of the men has been described as wearing a short-sleeved light coloured t-shirt and trousers and having shaven or short brown hair. He is thought to have been around 5ft 7ins tall.
The police are also appealing for the taxi driver to come forward with any further information he may have about the incident.
Anyone else who may have information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email sophie.wilson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
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