A MAN is in hospital after a dramatic stabbing in York city centre.

The victim is believed to have been attacked at a flat in George Street before stumbling into Walmgate and collapsing in the doorway of Robertson’s Solicitors.

A man and a woman were arrested after nine police vans and two ambulances descended on the area.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene shortly after 2.30pm yesterday as people living in nearby houses rushed to help the injured victim.

Armed police teams later taped off the solicitor’s and a block of flats in a courtyard in George Street as an investigation into the incident was launched.

North Yorkshire Police would not confirm the exact nature of the man’s injuries, but eyewitnesses said they believed he had been stabbed. Police confirmed that the wounded man had been taken to York Hospital for treatment. His condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

An eyewitness, who was a customer in dresswear shop Thimbelina, next door to Robertson’s solicitors, said she saw police “flood” the area and she stayed inside for safety. She said she thought a young woman with a dog had helped administer first aid before the police and paramedics got to the scene.

Meanwhile, a man who lives next door to the solicitor’s office said he saw the shirtless victim collapsed in the doorway. The man and his wife grabbed towels from their house to help stop blood flowing from his shoulder and under his arm.

Stunned passers-by watched as the armed response officers patrolled Walmgate and washed traces of blood away from the pavement with buckets of water, while paramedics carried the victim away on a stretcher.

The solicitor’s firm was also cordoned off as police carried out their inquiries, although staff said they remained open for the rest of the day.

Police led the man and woman in handcuffs out of an upstairs flat in a courtyard off George Street, where flats were also sealed off.

Anyone with any information is asked to phone police on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.