A teenage boy was punched by two others in a random attack near a play park.

The 17-year-old was hit in the face and punched from behind as two thugs pounced on him near the Kingsmead leisure centre.

The boy had been walking along the riverside towards a play park at 3.40pm on Saturday when he was approached by the men.

One punched the boy in the face as the other threw punches from behind. He tried to defend himself, but the ordeal was only stopped when a passerby jumped in.

The attackers – both white and aged 17 or 18 - swore at him before running off.

The victim suffered minor injuries, but did not need hospital treatment.

The first man was described as 5ft 10ins tall with a medium build. He had short, shaven, brown hair and was wearing a light-coloured short sleeved t-shirt.

The other man was said to be 6ft 1ins with a slim build. He had short, black hair and was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt.

Anyone with information abut the assault should call police on 101, quoting reference ZY/002591/11, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Officers are keen to speak to the passerby who stepped in to stop the attack.