THE killers of a York man who was chased through city centre streets before being repeatedly kicked as he lay on the ground were today being hunted by police.

The victim was named this afternoon as Michael Anthony Brolly, of Margaret Street.

He was found by police officers lying unconscious on the pavement in Low Ousegate last night.

Mr Brolly was attacked by "six or seven" people in Low Ousegate after being chased from outside Breeze Hair Design and Beauty Salon, in George Hudson Street.

He suffered "external and internal" injuries, and later died in York District Hospital.

In 1998 Mr Brolly was jailed for 25 months after he admitted ploughing his car into a group of three young women while drunk, breaking one woman's wrist.

He was sent to Wealstun Open Prison, but escaped in March 1999. He was re-arrested when he was spotted in Clifton.

Mr Brolly had also been involved in two sieges, including one in July, 1996, when he threatened to stab a police officer and break the jaw of another.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate said last night's incident started at 8.53pm. A number of calls to York Police HQ said a man was chased from Skeldergate to Low Ousegate.

"The incident concluded just outside Johnsons dry cleaners, opposite O'Neills.

"Six or seven people were seen attacking a man, who was taken to York District Hospital. At this time he was still alive, but was confirmed as dead at 9.35pm."

Meanwhile, 17 paving stones were today removed from the scene of the incident as part of the police inquiry.

It is believed the stones may hold forensic evidence.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate said: "CCTV footage is being checked and detectives are making inquiries across the city."

Witnesses said they saw Mr Brolly trying to pull off his heavily-bloodstained shirt as he fled across Ouse Bridge towards Low Ousegate pursued by the group.

Police said initial investigations showed there had been an incident in the Rougier Street area just prior to the attack.

Officers cordoned off the area last night and scenes of crime officers were called in.

They set out numbered markers on the pavement - thought to indicate spots of blood - and took photographs. The scene was again examined this morning.

Council workmen later removed some paving stones.

"Early indications are that there had been an incident in the Rougier Street area and the man had been chased from there," said Mr Lidgate.

Anyone with information should call police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 15:05 Monday, September 17, 2001