A MAN who suffered terrible head wounds after a violent assault outside a York night spot has died of his injuries.

William George Smith, 62, of Cemetery Road, was attacked in a scuffle outside the entrance of Yates's Wine Lodge, in Low Ousegate.

A York Police spokesman told the Evening Press today that he died at Leeds General Infirmary on Tuesday morning.

Detectives re-arrested a middle-aged man today in connection with the incident. He was being held at Fulford Road Police Station.

No one was at home today at Mr Smith's first-floor flat in Cemetery Road, opposite York Cemetery.

But neighbours spoke today of their shock at his death.

One said Mr Smith had been a quiet man, who had never caused any problems. "It's a terrible thing," he said.

Mr Smith is believed to have worked in the racing industry until a couple of years ago.

He suffered serious head injuries in a violent incident close to the doors of Yates's Wine Lodge on Good Friday at about 11pm.

Paramedics called to the riverside walkway rushed Mr Smith to hospital where his condition was first described as "critical".

Police officers later sealed off the area for detailed forensic examination.

The incident occurred just yards from where York father-of-four Mick Brolly was killed by a gang in September, 2001.

Jamie Carr, assistant manager of Yates' Wine Lodge, York, declined to comment. Chief executive David Crabtree was unavailable to comment.

Police officers have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information should contact York CID on 01904 669570.

Updated: 14:02 Thursday, April 24, 2003