YORK performance artist Purpleman says he has hired security guards to protect him in Stonegate.

The street performer, who last year transported toys to children at a school on the border of Syria and Turkey, said he has become so fed up of attacks in the street from drunken passers by, he felt he had no choice but to take on security.

He posed with bouncers from Eboracum Security, and said attacks were not only hurtful to him, but distressing for families who gather round to look at him.

Purpleman said he found it challenging to perform in front of an audience when he was concerned about drunken attacks, and he was worried seeing a street artist accosted could spoil the memories of visitors to York.