Police have labelled as "vicious" and unprovoked, 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 two men had just walked past them when they turned and slammed the youngsters in the face.

Ross who is studying at Teesside University sustained 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 out to celebrate your mate's birthday for something like this to happen,'' said Ben. "And it happened so quickly."

Their attackers are both aged about 22 years old, 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.

"There must have been people around at this time of day going home from nightclubs and hopefully this appeal may jog some memories." Anyone who witnessed or has information about the attack is urged to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126.