TWO women needed hospital treatment after they were the victims of a "violent and unprovoked" attack by a group of drunken young people.

Police last night appealed for information into the daytime assault, which happened on a street corner in Horden, near Peterlee, east Durham.

The victims, local women aged 33 and 41, were passing a group of up to a dozen youths, including possibly three females, at the junction of York Avenue and Park Avenue, when they came under attack.

It is understood the older of the pair was held down while the younger woman was punched in the face and had a beer bottle broken over her head.

Both were taken to Hartlepool's University Hospital, where the 33-year-old was treated for a black eye and cuts to the back of her head and forehead. The other woman suffered a bite injury to a finger and bruising.

They were later released, following treatment.

Police believe the youths had been drinking, some heavily, and were verbally abusive to the women as they passed by the street corner.

PC Nigel Dowd said it was a "particularly violent and unprovoked attack", and urged witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information about the attack, which happened shortly after 5pm on Saturday, is asked to contact either PC Dowd or PC Joanne Godber, at Peterlee police station, on 0191-586 2621.