A YORK man may need plastic surgery for facial and arm injuries after being attacked with a samurai sword during a street brawl in York.

The man, named locally as Steve Johnson, 37, of Kingsway West, Acomb, was taken to York Hospital following a disturbance involving ten men outside his home at 10.30pm on Saturday.

Neighbour David Denton, 49, who was standing at his back door when the fight broke out, told the Evening Press today he had been left shaken by what he had seen.

He said he went to his mother's nearby home to call the police, and returned to find "a sea of people" fighting in the street.

Mr Johnson was bleeding and being held by two men.

A nearby householder, who did not want to be named, said he was told Mr Johnson needed stitches to his face, arm and leg and would need plastic surgery following the attack.

York police are investigating the attack. A spokesman said: "We are extremely concerned that an incident occurred using such a weapon and we are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward."

Two males in their 40s from outside the York area have been arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should phone York Police on 01904 631321 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 14:44 Monday, July 05, 2004