A teenager attacked in the street during a night out in Bristol city centre has died of his injuries.

Joseph Dymond-Williams, of Whitchurch, had been in a coma ever since he suffered serious head injuries when he was beaten by two men in King Street shortly after midnight on June 22.

The 17-year-old intervened to try and clam down a row between a girl and her boyfriend but was attacked by two other people, suffering three skull fractures.

His parents switched off the life-support machines at Frenchay Hospital yesterday.

Joseph had been in an induced coma since the horrific attack, which happened outside the Que-C Bar shortly after midnight.

Doctors at Frenchay Hospital induced a coma in an effort to save his life. His family, who live in Whitchurch, had been at his bedside since the incident 17 days ago.

The Bristol Evening Post reported after the attack how Joseph, an A-level student at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, was with friends in King Street, Bristol, when a boy and girl who were part of his group began arguing.

Joseph stepped in to help and it was then that two young men got involved, punching and kicking him to the ground.

It is believed that when he fell, Joseph hit his head on the pavement and while he lay senseless he was kicked in the face.

A 34-year-old woman, who tried to intervene, was then attacked.

A passing off-duty doctor also went to Joseph's aid and stayed with him until paramedics arrived.

He was initially taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary but was later transferred to Frenchay Hospital in a critical condition.

Joseph had just finished his first year of A-levels in mathematics, psychology, business studies and sports studies.

He was described as studious and popular and was particularly gifted at maths. He was also fit and loved to play football.

His friends at St Brendan's have been wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.

The news has shocked the close-knit college community.

One student who left a message on the Post's website said: "The atmosphere at the college has been terrible over the last few days. It just feels like something has hit the college, it's so quiet.

"It really has just hit me and made me realise that things like this can happen so close to home.

"You just don't think about it when it's on the news in other parts of the country. It scares me.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends."

A mother whose daughter knew Joseph said: "What sort of world are we living in? My daughter came home from college yesterday so upset as was everybody that was there.

"She has known Joe for many years and as everyone has said he was a loving and gentle person."

And a football team-mate of Joe's said: "You were such a top lad, and such a talented footballer. This is such a horrible shame. All the team are with your family and friends."

A 17-year-old boy and a man aged 18 were arrested for assault at the time of the attack and were released on bail. A 17-year-old girl was also arrested in connection with the assault on the woman who tried to help Joseph.

Tributes can be paid to Joseph at the www.lastingtribute.co.uk website.

Last night police issued a further appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bristol CID on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.