Ambushed

A gang of up to seven boys and two girls in their mid-teens punched, kicked and threw bottles at businessman John Hughes when he got out of his car after forcing him to stop as he drove home in Scarcroft Road at night.

A heavy blow to the temple from a full alcopop bottle left him bleeding heavily and as he tried to drive off, the group climbed on to his car and attempted to break the windows.

Hospital staff told Mr Hughes, 42, of Rosebury Street, that his injury, which needed nine stitches and chipped his skull, could have easily been life-threatening.

He said: "I tried to grab hold of the first lad who threw a bottle at me and the next thing I knew it was like little monkeys jumping all over me.

"They were trying to pull me to the floor, but I knew that if I went down I would end up getting kicked and stamped on.

"When I was hit by a bottle I knew it was for real and I was in a fight, but when I got in the car they climbed on top and started to try and kick the windows and headlights through."

He added: "It was a vicious, but not malicious, attack. It seems that kids just don't have the discipline. They simply do not see the consequences of what they are doing."

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said this was the first time he had heard of such a "unprovoked and mindless act of violence" by young teenagers.

He said: "Obviously we would like anyone who was in the area that evening, or who thinks they know someone who was involved to contact us."

Those who saw the group at the junction of Scarcroft Road and Scarcroft Hill should contact York Police on 01904 631321 or Crimestoppers, for free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, October 04, 2003