A MAN today told of a horrifying attack by drunken youths which left him drenched in blood - saying someone could have been killed.

David McGouran, 51, and his wife, Carol, of Woodlands Avenue, Wigginton, were walking back from a village pub when they were confronted by a group of 15 youngsters, both male and female.

Following an altercation, Mr McGouran was struck across the head with a beer bottle, covering him in blood, and leaving him requiring hospital treatment.

"These kids could have killed someone," he told the Evening Press.

"We'd just been out for a drink and were cutting through a snicket to get home when we bumped into these kids. They were clearly drunk and hurled abuse at us. Some of their language was filthy."

Following the attack, a man living nearby in Broad Oak Lane came to the assistance of the couple and the youths ran off.

Mrs McGouran said: "Some drunk girls swarmed around me - they were like a pack of dogs. It was horrible."

The couple had spotted youths with carrier bags full of drinks earlier in the evening.

"I want to know where they got this booze from," added Mr McGouran.

"If nothing is done about this then someone could really get hurt."

He told how he was taken to York District Hospital where he had stitches inserted into his wounds, and was released at 5.30am today. Police said anyone with information about the attack, which took place at about 11.15pm last night, should contact 01904 631321. They said the youths are believed to be local to Wigginton.

Sgt Dave Kirby, at Clifton Moor police station, described the attack as unusual for Wigginton, but added: "We have had reports that people have been abused by youths in this area, but this is the first serious attack. The couple are very shaken by the incident."

Police believe the one who struck Mr McGouran with the bottle may have suffered cuts to his hand.

Updated: 13:04 Saturday, June 30, 2001