POLICE have labelled as "vicious" an attack on two students in a town centre.

Teenagers Ben Sanson and Ross McMahon were walking home from a friend's birthday party, through the centre of Middlesbrough, when they were attacked by two men.

The two men had been following Ben 17, and 18-year-old Ross, persistently asking for a cigarette as they got closer to the two lads. After verbally abusing the boys, the men had walked past the teenagers but then turned to punch the pair in the face.

Ross, who is studying at Teesside University, suffered a broken jaw, and Ben, who attends the Cleveland College of Art and Design, had his nose broken.

"I am devastated - shocked. You don't expect to go to celebrate a mate's birthday, for something like this to happen," said Ben.

Their attackers are both aged about 22. One wore a blue cotton denim shirt.

PC Andy Hill, of Cleveland Police, said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack on two lads who had been out enjoying themselves."

Anyone who witnessed or has information about the attack is urged to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126.