A BOY needed hospital treatment after being repeatedly punched in the face on a busy footpath and police are appealing for witnesses.

It happened on a public footpath that crosses Bilton Railway Viaduct, between Harrogate and Ripley, between 6.15pm and 6.30pm on June 2.

The two victims and their friend were chased onto the viaduct by another group of boys; one of which repeatedly punched the first victim in the face.

The victim’s friend, who witnessed the assault, intervened and was subsequently punched in the back of the head by another youth.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "This incident took place on a busy public footpath, in broad daylight, where members of the public were exercising.

"We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"In particular, we are appealing for information about the identity of the two suspects in this incident."

The first suspect is described as follows; a 16 to 18 year-old white male, 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall in height and is described as being well built.

He has medium length brown hair and is described as wearing a blue t-shirt and grey shorts whilst carrying a dark blue backpack at the time of the incident.

The second suspect is described as a white male, also aged between 16 to 18 years-old, with a thin build and more than 6ft 2ins in height.

He is also believed to have been on a bike and was wearing a black t-shirt with grey jogging bottoms.

Both suspects are believed to have been in a group of between five to seven people at the time of the assaults.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Ryan Rudd. You can also email ryan.rudd@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk