A MAN was recovering in hospital yesterday after he and friends were brutally attacked by a gang of six, including two women.

The injured man was with a friend and their girlfriends when they were assaulted while walking home from a New Year's Eve party in Starbeck, Harrogate.

They were in Hookstone Chase when they were faced by a gang of four men and two women, who launched what police said was a vicious and unprovoked attack.

Both men suffered head injuries and one was still recovering in York District Hospital last night after undergoing surgery. His friend was allowed home after treatment at hospital in Harrogate.

One alleged attacker is now being held in custody by detectives, who are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

In particular, they wish to speak to a female motorist who was flagged down by one of the women immediately after the attack, which took place at about 2am on New Year's Day. People are asked to call (01423) 505541.

Meanwhile, police in Scarborough are investigating a knife-wielding gang who stabbed two teenagers when they refused to hand over money for chips.

The incident took place on New Year's Eve at about 2am, at the junction of Gladstone Road and Tindall Street.

The teenagers were walking towards a takeaway in Victoria Road when they were approached by three men, one of whom was carrying a 10-in machete-like blade.

One teenager was punched, stabbed in his left thigh and right side of his back, while another, who tried to intervene, suffered cuts to his left forearm, grazes to his shoulders and a cut to his eyebrow. A third teenager was punched in the face.

The two who were stabbed were taken to hospital but were released after treatment.

Witnesses are asked to call police on (01723) 500300.