TWO young brothers were assaulted whilst they waited for their mum in one of Skipton's busiest shopping areas.

At 4.15pm on Saturday the Skipton boys were waiting outside Woolworths in Caroline Square when they were set upon by a group of four youths.

One of the brothers, aged 13, was kicked in the face and left with a swollen lip and his 11-year-old sibling was thrown against a rubbish bin and his jumper was torn.

Two passers-by, possibly man and wife, intervened and prevented the children from being hurt further. Police would like to speak to this couple.

The boys' mother arrived whilst the fight was in progress and managed to pull the main offender from her sons. She tried to lead him to the police station but he shouted abuse at her and struggled free.

This youth, aged about 14, was wearing a white jumper with a hood and NYC printed on the front. He had white trousers and short fair hair.

Police would like to speak to anyone who knows who this youth is or anyone who witnessed the attack.

Skipton Inspector Tad Nowakowski said: "I am quite appalled that something like this should occur in our area, especially at this time and at that location in the town centre.

"Quite a number of local people must have witnessed what had happened. We shall be taking the incident very seriously and will continue to investigate it. Thankfully it is an isolated incident."

Anyone with information about the assault should contact PC Vanessa Bateson at Skipton Police Station tel 01756 793377.