A GANG of thugs who laid in wait before attacking a man with a baseball bat and an iron bar could strike again, say detectives.

Security has now been stepped up at the man's detached house, off a secluded road in Wistow, near Selby, where three men launched their violent attack.

The victim, said to be in his mid-40s, was savagely beaten and had to have hospital treatment for a head wound and severe bruising to his body and legs.

The incident happened at about 11pm on Friday as the man and his partner, said to be in her early 30s, returned home after a night out.

The couple were ambushed as they stopped at the entrance to their driveway to open a gate.

The woman attempted to escape by reversing the car, but lost control and ended up in a ditch at the side of the quiet country road close to Wistow Mine.

Anyone with information on the attack should contact Selby CID on 01904 669651.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, February 11, 2002