POLICE in Whalley today appealed for help after an incident which left two men in need of hospital treatment.

The men, aged 21 and 49, had told a gang of teenage yobs off after spotting them play-fighting and rolling across the bonnet of a car in George Street.

But officers say the scene turned ugly when some members of the gang turned on the two men and launched an assault.

The incident took place at around 8pm on Boxing Day.

Inspector Bob Ford of Clitheroe police said: "They tackled some youths about their behaviour and four of the youths involved took on these two. It ended up with them being quite badly assaulted."

The struggle began near the Spar shop on George Street, and ended up in the middle of the road near Maureen Cookson's dress shop.

The 21-year-old victim suffered cuts and bruises, and a laceration to his thumb from a bite. The 49-year-old suffered head injuries, a badly bruised face and eye injuries.

The pair were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary before being discharged after treatment.

Inspector Ford said: "We are anxious to talk to anyone who was about at the time of the attack. On the CCTV footage there are people who were near the Spar shop."

Anybody with information should call the police on 01200 443344.

Two 16-year-old boys were arrested shortly after the incident. One was released without charge, and the other released on police bail.