A 14-year-old boy suffered two black eyes after being punched and kicked in the face in a vicious assault in Kidderminster town centre.

The youth and a friend were approached by a group of six Asian youths during the incident, near TK Maxx, Weavers Wharf, on Saturday afternoon.

Following an exchange of words, the victim was thrown to the ground and punched and kicked.

Members of the public intervened and the victim left the scene. Despite having swelling and bruising to both eyes, he did not need hospital treatment.

PC Daniel Townsend, of Kidderminster police, said: "There were a lot of people about at the time and many members of the public went to assist."

Police thought the incident might be linked to another assault near Poundland, in Worcester Street, Kidderminster, also on Saturday afternoon.

In that incident, a 13-year-old boy was punched in the face by a youth aged 16 or 17, who was with a group of 10 or 11 other youths.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Kidderminster police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.