POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men were assaulted as they tended to a woman who had fallen and broken her ankles.

The attack happened near Christ Church, Carleton Street, Skipton, half an hour after midnight on New Year's Day.

A woman out with a party of friends slipped and fell sustaining serious injuries to both ankles.

While the group was attending to her and waiting for an ambulance, up to ten youths, aged between 15 and 20, approached them and an argument took place.

The incident escalated, resulting in the victim’s son and a friend of hers being assaulted.

The victim’s son was punched, head-butted and knocked to the ground, sustaining a broken ankle and facial injuries.

The family friend was punched in the face, lost a tooth and suffered bruising to their eye.

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Skipton CID on 01423 539752 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.