A 16-year-old youth lost several teeth and had to have his jaw wired after a sickening attack in the centre of York.

Police said the attack, which took place near to the Judges Lodgings hotel, in Lendal, may be linked to another assault which happened in Stonegate just minutes later. Officers said both attacks had been "totally unprovoked".

The youth, who has not been named, needed emergency dental treatment at York District Hospital following the attack, which occurred at about 7.30pm on Friday.

He had been walking along Lendal when a man walked up to him and, without warning, repeatedly punched him in the face.

Minutes later in Stonegate, a young man was left with cuts and bruises after he was knocked to the floor and repeatedly kicked by a man.

Acting Sergeant David McDowell, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Both these attacks were totally unprovoked and we believe the same person was probably responsible for both.

"The attack on the 16-year-old was a particularly nasty one and he suffered some very serious injuries. The man who was attacked in Stonegate was lucky not to have been more seriously injured.

"The streets must have been pretty busy around the time of these attacks and we would ask anyone who saw anything to come forward and help us.

"York is normally a safe place for people to go out in. We just need to get this man locked up."

Anyone with information should call police in York on 01904 631321.

Updated: 13:58 Monday, January 29, 2001