Man helped from water after attack by thugs

The victim was pushed into the stream, a tributary to the River Foss, as he walked along a gravel path between Pinsent Court and Byland Avenue, York, at around 1am yesterday.

He was unconscious for several minutes but after coming to was unable to get himself out of the chest-high water.

He was eventually pulled free by a passing dog walker who heard his cries for help.

Last night police, who are trying to trace the dog walker, say were it not for his heroic actions, the victim could have died.

PC Adam Fenwick, of the York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Potentially this could have been a very serious or even fatal incident.

"The young man was struggling to climb out of the water and up the muddy embankment. The dog walker intervened and guided him towards shallower water and pulled him out.

"On behalf of the victim I'd like to thank the dog walker for his brave actions.

"I am appealing for him to contact the police as soon as possible as he may have vital information that could help us locate the suspects.

"As well as having a white dog and a torch, all we know that he was white, aged in his 40s and has grey facial hair."

The victim suffered cuts to his back and a grazed wrist.

One of the suspects was white, 5ft 11in, stocky, in his late 20s with dark hair brushed forward. He wore a white Henleys t-shirt and blue jeans.

The second suspect was also white, 5ft 7in, skinny, and in his mid-20s. He wore a light blue tracksuit top and bottoms.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Fenwick at York Police Station on 0845 60 60 24 7.