A GROUP of men returning from a night out in York were set upon and robbed by two youths in what police have described as a "nasty unprovoked attack".

The three local men, who have not been named, were attacked and robbed of cash and jewellery as they walked along North Moor Road, Huntington.

One of the victims, aged in his late 20s, remained in York Hospital today receiving treatment for a broken leg and wounds to his head and elbow.

A second man, of a similar age, needed stitches to a bad gash in his ear and treatment for other facial injuries. The third man suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Costello, of York CID, said the attack at about 2am on Sunday had left the men severely shaken.

He said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack. The men were approached on foot and the two attackers just weighed in straight away. There was nasty physical violence. The two men have come straight across and attacked the men without warning."

The men were returning home after a private party at a nearby working men's club when they were set upon by the two assailants. A quantity of cash was stolen as well as various items of jewellery, which included a necklace with a wedding ring hung on it. DS Costello appealed for Huntington residents, or anyone who may have been travelling through the area at that time, to come forward with any information.

He said: "It was late at night but it is quite possible that someone saw something and could help us track down the people responsible for this nasty unprovoked attack."

He said the two attackers were described as white and in their late teens or early 20s. It is not known what clothing they were wearing.

Anyone who was in the North Moor Road area at that time, or who saw anything suspicious, is asked to contact York CID on 01904 669353 or to call Crimestoppers, for free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Updated: 10:52 Tuesday, July 08, 2003