THUGS launched a frenzied attack on an innocent victim - the second such incident in a week in York city centre.

Detectives say they are examining links between the assault by two men and a woman in Skeldergate, near the Bonding Warehouse, at 7.30pm on Tuesday with a gang attack on a student in Heslington Road late last Friday.

In the latest incident, the youths struck the man, who did not wish to be named, with a plank of wood. He fell to the ground, where another youth kicked him.

A woman then appeared with a "bladed weapon", demanding cash and his mobile phone. She cut him on his side, inflicting wounds up to seven inches long.

The attackers ran off towards Bishophill, but nothing was taken. The victim, who asked not to be identified, was taken to York Hospital. Officers said he was shaken, but not seriously injured.

Detective Constable Manzoor Mohammed said: "We will be examining the similarities, and should we identify anyone we will certainly look closely at the earlier incident.

"They are both very serious attacks, and vigilance is required. We have had two similar attacks, and we do not want a third.

"Keep an eye out and use caution, especially when using your mobile phone in less busy parts of York. Watch your back."

Today, recovering from the attack last Friday, student Stuart Wynn, said it was "terrifying" that there had been a second attack.

He said: "The latest attack sounds exactly the same to me. I wouldn't feel safe walking around on my own, and people should be very careful."

Police have issued descriptions of the youths:

White, male, 20 years old, 5ft 9in tall, with a thin face, unshaven

White, male, 20 years old, 5ft 10in tall and thin

White, female, about 29, unkempt shoulder-length bleached blonde hair.

Updated: 10:12 Thursday, August 25, 2005