A MAN was stabbed eight times when he was attacked by a gang of up to 30 youths in a York street.

Police said the man was attacked in Cranbrook Road, Acomb, shortly after he left the Ainsty public house, in Boroughbridge Road, at about 12.30am on New Year's Day.

As the victim walked home with his brother they met a youth and two females near to the BP petrol station in Boroughbridge Road.

Police said there was "a disagreement" between the two parties and the man walked off down Cranbrook Road towards Almsford Road.

But he was then approached by a group of between 20 and 30 youths on pedal cycles and attacked.

He suffered six stab wounds to his back, one to his left ear and one to his left arm. He was treated at York Hospital and released later the same day. Police had no specific record of the treatment he received but said his wounds were later described as "minor cuts".

The man's brother and a friend ran after the group of youths as they escaped.

The youth from the initial disagreement was said to be tall and thin, aged about 16, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a beige jumper with stripes down the arms.

A spokesman for the Ainsty pub said he knew the victim, who was a regular at the pub, and had heard about the incident, but said he was unable to make any further comment.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information about the incident to phonel CID at York police station on 01904 631321.

Meanwhile, witnesses are also being sought to a large fight, which happened in the centre of York early today, and left one man needing hospital treatment.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened in Nessgate at about 2.30am.

Police said the injured man suffered a cut to the head and was treated at York Hospital and released. The road was closed for a time while police dealt with the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the fight is asked to phone PC 827 Wilson on 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:40 Friday, January 03, 2003