TOURISM bosses in York have been left disgusted by a brutal attack on two Spanish visitors to the city.

The couple were assaulted by a five-man gang while out in the New Street area in the early hours of Sunday.

The 24-year-old man suffered a broken jaw, chipped teeth and bruising.

The thugs repeatedly pushed his girlfriend, 29, to the ground while they punched and kicked him during a prolonged attack.

Police believe the couple - whose ordeal ended when a passing taxi driver came to their aid - were targeted because they were foreign.

A spokeswoman for Visit York said they were worried by the incident and said the organisation would do all it could to ensure the city was safe for foreign visitors.

Kay Hyde, head of communications at Visit York, said: “We’re appalled and very concerned to hear this news. Our thoughts are currently with the young couple who we hope will recover from this awful attack.

“It’s rare to hear of this in York, which makes this all the more shocking.

“We’re working with the Safer York Partnership in the city to offer our full support.”

Last month, York was voted the world’s safest city for a short break in a poll of 2,075 tourists.

Police and tourism chiefs stress violent assaults on tourists in the city are rare.

Officers are now reviewing CCTV from the city centre to help identify the suspects.

All were white, in their early twenties, and had close-shaved haircuts.

PC Sophie Wilson, of the York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This is a very disturbing incident which will quite rightly shock the local community in York and those who regard the city as a friendly and safe place to visit.

“We are doing everything we can to investigate this case and bring those responsible to justice.

“We are also providing support to the young couple from Spain who have had their stay tarnished in the most sickening and vicious way.

“The victims are extremely grateful to the taxi driver for having the decency to stop and help when they were in a very frightening situation.”

Police have appealed to the taxi driver or anyone who has information which could help the investigation to contact them on 101.

They can also ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.