POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was pushed into a river as he walked home from work.

The 41-year-old was walking along Rowntree Wharf, in York, at about 5.25pm yesterday, when he was pushed from behind into the River Foss.

PC Johnathan Mansell, of York police, who is investigating the assault, said: "This was a completely unprovoked assault on an innocent man walking home from work.

"He is a poor swimmer and by sheer luck managed to gain a foot-hold near to the edge of the river and was pulled to safety by passers-by.

"Had there been no-one in the area at the time to assist him, the consequences could have been disastrous."

PC Mansell appealed to a group of young men, in their 20s, who were seen drinking near to the entrance to the tunnel on Rowntree Warf.

The man was not injured but was said to be cold and very shaken up.

He lost his glasses and mobile phone in the assault.

Witnesses are asked to call police, on 0845-60-60-24-7, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.