A YOUTH had his jaw broken and another needed 23 stitches to a scalp wound after being assaulted.

Police said a 17-year-old boy, from Winterbourne Down, suffered a broken jaw when he was punched in the face after leaving the George and Dragon pub. A 19-year-old man from Rangeworthy later contacted police to report being hit over the head as he went to help the injured youth. He needed 23 stitches.

Police were called to the village after receiving reports of rowdy behaviour outside the pub and dispersed a crowd of about 40 people between 12.30am and 1am on Saturday, April 3.

They said there had been no violence while officers were present and the injuries to the teenagers, who had already left the pub, were not reported until later.

Neighbourhood Inspector Bob Evely said police had stepped up uniformed patrols of the area to try to reduce anti-social behaviour on weekend nights.

Anyone with any information about the assaults should call detectives at Staple Hill police station on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.