POLICE have warned that incidents like a gang fight in which three men suffered human bite wounds to the face "will not be tolerated" in York.

The fight, which is said to have involved up to 15 people, broke out in The Village, Strensall.

It left one of the bite victims needing 20 stitches to his nose.

Sergeant Dave Kirby said: "This was a serious incident which saw the victims sustaining nasty injuries.

"It is the sort of incident that will not be tolerated, and every effort will be made to deal with it in a positive manner.

"Obviously we need to trace all those involved. If anyone has any information, no matter how small they think it is, then please get in touch."

Police were called to the fight at midnight last Friday. Anyone with information about it is asked to ring 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:12 Tuesday, February 26, 2002