THREE German teenagers have been assaulted in a park during an exchange visit to Darlington.

The youngsters were members of a group of exchange students from Bremen, visiting Darlington on an annual trip organised by their school.

They were on their penultimate day in the UK when they were attacked by youths in Stanhope Park as they returned from a visit to Darlington Civic Theatre, on Thursday evening.

The group is staying at Darlington Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, and the attack happened near the tennis courts in the park.

"A couple of the boys were walking up front from the rest of our group," said Chris Papin, one of the teachers from Schulzentrum Lercenstrasse school, who was accompanying the children.

"When they realised there was a group of British young people, they slowed down."

But when the Germans walked past the youths, who were on bicycles, they were targeted.

"First, they were insulted with words, provocative ones," said Mr Papin. "Then they were spat at, but they tried to pass by.

"But three of the boys started threatening them and then started punching them."

The students, aged 15 and 16, are visiting the town for two weeks of work placements. This is the third year that the exchange has taken place. But Mr Papin admitted that the incident may make them think twice about returning. "I really couldn't say at the moment," he said.

One of the teenagers is working at Borough Road Nursery School, in Darlington.

Headteacher Lynn Millar said: "I am appalled that this has happened. To come to Britain and have that happen is disgraceful - they'll remember it for the rest of their lives."

The nursery has given placements to Schulzentrum Lercenstrasse students for the past three years.

Mrs Millar added: "They are always lovely young people."

A police spokesman confirmed that one boy was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with minor cuts and bruising to his face, but later discharged. Two other teenagers also reported assaults.

Five youths were arrested last night in relation to an incident at Stanhope Park. A 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds, a 16-year-old and a 20-year-old were all released on bail.