Mugging victim Douglas Lewis was brutally robbed as he walked home through Haxby after a couple of quiet pints at his local.

Douglas, who is 60, was set upon from behind by three thugs as he walked towards the car park just behind Prestos.

They dragged his anorak over his head, then threw him to the ground, grinding his face into the gravel.

Some of his attackers pinned him down, while others rifled through his pockets and stole £30 in cash from his wallet.

The retired building labourer was walking to his home in Haxby from the Red Lion at about 8.30pm last Friday when the attackers struck.

He was not seriously hurt, apart from the cuts and bruises to his face and knuckles.

But the unprovoked vicious assault has left him badly shaken.

He said: "I heard this running behind me and the next thing I was thrown across the car park.

"They pushed my coat up over my head and just threw me on the ground. It was very frightening."

Police today appealed for witnesses, in particular a man who gave chase to the three thugs and a second man who helped Mr Lewis up after the attack, to come forward.

Acting Insp Tim Bright, of Strensall police said: "This was a cowardly and despicable crime. We want to catch the people involved."

One of the robbers may have a broken nose or injured face where Mr Lewis hit him as he flailed out while lying on the ground, Insp Bright said.

It is also possible the attackers may have been caught on security cameras.

Anyone with information should contact DC Maria Taylor at York police on 631321.

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