TWO teenagers were beaten with metal poles as they tried to find fuel for their broken-down car, in what police called a "totally unprovoked attack".

The victims were walking towards the Shell garage on Woodlands Road, in Darlington, at about 10pm, on Saturday, when they were attacked by a group of up to seven youths who came out of tennis courts in Denes Park.

A petrol can the two boys - one aged 16 from Staindrop, the other aged 19 and from Evenwood - were carrying caught fire during the assault, and caused the younger victim burns to his arms, face and neck. A young woman who was with the two teenagers ran off unhurt.

The two were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, and the 16-year-old was transferred to the burns unit at the James Cook Memorial Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

The 19-year-old suffered a fractured nose and cheekbone in the attack, and the 16-year-old, who was kept in hospital until yesterday, suffered minor "superficial" burns.

Police are appealing for information about the attack, and are particularly keen to hear from the driver of a green Ford Fiesta car who stopped to speak to the victims, and a male passer-by who offered assistance.

Detective Constable Louise Guy, of Durham Police, said: "We think the man in the Ford Fiesta had a confrontation with the attackers and we would appeal to both him and the other concerned member of the public to come forward.

"These young men were the victims of a totally unprovoked attack and suffered serious injuries. I would urge anyone who can help us to get in touch."

Det Con Guy said there had been another incident, at about 8.50pm, on Sunday, in the Denes Park area in which three teenagers were assaulted with metal poles by a group of about seven youths. Police believe the same individuals may be responsible.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call Darlington CID on 0845 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.