A Big Issue vendor was left unconscious after a daylight assault as he worked his pitch in the centre of York.

Big Issue seller Paul Burwell who needed 20 stitches to his face after being attacked by five men Picture: Steven Bradshaw

Paul Burwell, who has sold the magazine for the homeless outside Waterstones Booksellers, in High Ousegate, since September, needed 20 stitches and treatment for concussion after the lunchtime attack by five men.

His assailants made off with his takings for the morning - £30, of which £18 was Paul's much-needed profit.

Paul, 28, who used to be homeless but now lives in a bedsit after saving his wages, said he and another York Big Issue vendor approached a man selling the magazine outside Superdrug in Market Street.

They were concerned as the man was not accredited to work the patch and Paul and his colleague felt they would miss out on business.

After informing City of York Council's city manager, Paul returned to his own patch where he was assaulted.

"He came back with four other friends and they just started on me," said Paul.

"I have no idea how many were actually hitting me because I was unconscious on the floor."

Paul regained consciousness in York District Hospital, where he had to be given 20 stitches in and around his mouth.

Today, Paul thanked his regular customers for their concern and generosity following Friday's attack.

He said: "My customers have been great. They have been coming up to ask how I am and have been giving me £5 and telling me to keep the change and stuff like that.

"The money they have given me means I have been able to give back the money that was stolen, so that's been a real help to me."

Paul said he was still unable to understand the motive for the attack.

Jill Murphy, a regular customer of Paul's, said she was horrified by the attack.

"I can't believe someone did this to him," she said.

"He's standing out here in all weathers just trying to make a few pounds and this happens to him.

"Whoever beat him up should be ashamed of themselves."

A spokeswoman for the Big Issue said: "If we find that it was another vendor who attacked Paul they will be banned from selling the Big Issue - regardless of their homeless situation - as we do not tolerate bullying or violence."

She said nobody was accredited to sell the Big Issue outside Superdrug in Market Street.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.