A MAN has been taken to hospital after a violent attempted robbery in York.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery, which happened in the Acomb area of the city at about 4.50pm on Friday, May 22, when the victim, a man in his 20s, was walking along a cycle path from Danebury Drive towards Morrisons supermarket.

He was approached by two unknown men on bicycles who punched him to the floor, searched his trouser pockets and tried to steal his bag.

The victim was then kicked in his ribs and head resulting in hospital treatment, including stitches to his face.

The suspects made off empty-handed towards Woodlea Avenue after the victim shouted “police".

The victim remembers seeing a man walking a dog at the time of the robbery, and police are particularly appealing to the dog walker to come forward who may not have realised what was happening.

One of the suspects was riding a red and white mountain bike and is described as white, aged between 20 and 30, and was wearing a black baseball cap and black hooded top.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to call DC Kevin Goodman from the York Serious Crime Team on 01904-669453 or call Cimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111, quoting reference number 12150084770.