A YOUNG woman suffered a broken jaw and cheekbone after trying to break up a fight in York city centre.

The 21-year-old York woman intervened after she saw a man shouting abuse at two women on the corner of Piccadilly and Coppergate.

But when she tried to stop the altercation, the man hit her in the face and knocked her to the ground.

The woman was taken to York Hospital where she was treated for a broken jaw and cheekbone, North Yorkshire Police said.

PC Gareth Vaughan of York Police, said: “This was a cowardly assault on a woman who was acting as a peacemaker and as a result of her public-spirited actions, suffered serious facial injuries.

“It’s vital that anyone who can assist our investigation gets in touch without delay.”

The assault happened at about 4am on August 17, but details were not released by police until today.

The other two women were unhurt in the incident, police confirmed.

Police are keen to speak to a 25-year-old man seen near the scene. He was approximately 6ft tall with a brown afro hairstyle.

They would also like to hear from any witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email gareth.vaughan@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk