A MAN was attacked with a banjo or ukulele in York city centre on Friday afternoon.

The attack happened at 2.15pm outside York Explore library in Museum Street, when a man in his twenties was hit in the face.

Police and an ambulance crew were sent to the scene.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said a 22-year-old man from the city centre was arrested in connection with the attack, but has since been released on bail while investigations continue.

The spokesman said the initial reports were that the attacker hit the victim in the face with a banjo, but a witness said he believed the attacker used a ukulele and a police source has now told The Press they are leaning towards believing it was a ukulele.

The witness told The Press: "He just walked out of the library carrying it and went straight over to him.

"There was nothing, no hostilities or anything, the victim was just talking to his mates. The guy just walked over and I heard it. It made a right mess of his face. I think he hit him once or twice."

The Press understands a woman stepped between the two men in an attempt to defuse the situation, and the suspect left the scene.

Another witness told The Press the victim's nose had been broken although this has not been confirmed.

He said the attacker hit the victim once with the instrument and said: "Come on, you want it again?"

He said the attacker had mentioned revenge.

He told The Press: "The male was attacked by another male; both males were in their early twenties.

"There was a gang of people and one male sprung on another male but I didn't see it happen. I heard the sound of a bone breaking and then when I looked round the lad who had been assaulted was walking towards the library entrance with blood dropping down his nose, while still arguing with the other lad.

"A female from the group was holding the attacker to stop him going after him."