A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after a tourist was repeatedly hit with a rock.

The victim, a 78-year-old man from South Africa, was visiting York for the first time while on holiday.

The pensioner was walking alone through York Minster Yard at about 8.30pm on Friday when he became aware of a man following him.

The stranger struck up a conversation with the victim and they walked for a short distance, before he suddenly attacked the tourist.

He was struck on the head with a rock several times before members of the public intervened and called for an ambulance.

The pair were found in the Dean’s Park area of the city, near the minster.

The victim was taken to York District Hospital for treatment to a serious head injury and a hand injury, before being released.

A 43-year-old man from Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, who was arrested at the scene, has been charged with attempted murder.

He was remanded into police custody and will appear at York Magistrates’ Court today.

Detective Inspector Ian Dyer, of York police, said: “This appears to be an unprovoked attack on an elderly man who was enjoying an evening of sightseeing in York.

“We have spoken to a number of witnesses already, but we would still like to speak to anyone else who has not yet come forward.

“The victim is a tourist and is unfamiliar with York place names. Therefore, police are appealing for anyone who saw anything untoward in the minster or Minster Yard or Dean’s Park area, or anyone who witnessed the actual assault to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845-60-60- 24-7, quoting 12110108652.