A 21-YEAR-OLD man was fighting for his life in hospital today after he was savagely attacked at a York nightclub.

The man, from the Pocklington area, had been enjoying a night out with friends at The Gallery, in Clifford Street, when he was battered about the head and left seriously injured.

Today his distraught parents were at his bedside in a hospital intensive care unit.

Police are calling on clubbers who were at the venue when the incident happened to come forward.

The victim, who police are not naming at his family's request, suffered serious head injuries.

His breathing is being maintained by a ventilator in the intensive care unit at Hull Royal Infirmary, where he was today said to be poorly but stable.

Detective Sergeant Bryan Redshaw, of York CID, said: "This young man was in York enjoying a night out with friends and now he is in hospital with serious injuries.

"This sort of incident is always distressing for those involved, but particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

"His parents are clearly very distressed by what has happened to their son and are travelling to be at his bedside in hospital each day."

Det Sgt Redshaw said the attack happened in an area of the club known as the Moet Bar at about 12.45am on Saturday. It is thought to have followed an argument involving the victim and another man.

The attacker, who is believed to have been with the other man and others, then repeatedly punched the victim in the face.

The attacker was described as white, 6ft 3ins to 6ft 6ins tall, of medium build and clean-shaven with short dark hair. He was wearing a black polo-neck jumper and black trousers.

DS Redshaw said: "We are anxious to hear from anybody who witnessed this incident or anyone who can provide us with the identity of the person responsible. People can call anonymously and all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence."

He said club staff had dealt with the incident professionally.

Though he was injured, the victim left the club but subsequently fell ill and had to be rushed to hospital.

Anyone with any information should call Det Sgt Redshaw on 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:00 Tuesday, December 18, 2001