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Two teenage boys suffered 'potentially serious injuries' after being 'attacked with a bat, knife and mallet' by a masked gang while on their lunch break.

A group of four Newcastle College students were set upon in a horrific targeted assault in Ashfields New Road, Newcastle, yesterday.

It is believed they were walking down an alleyway towards Sainsbury's when they were jumped by 'yobs wearing face coverings' at 12.50pm.

Two victims were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital and their condition was last night described as 'stable'.

Two more boys were also hurt but did not need hospital treatment.

Police are now investigating whether that incident was linked to mass violence across Kidsgrove where a teenage boy was mugged at Clough Hall Park at around 3pm.

(Image: Our Kidsgrove)

Two teenagers - both 16-year-olds - have been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with that incident, while a 19-year-old man was held on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and resisting arrest.

A Newcastle College spokesman said: "We can confirm that we were alerted to an off-campus incident involving Newcastle College students on Ashfields New Road at approximately 1pm yesterday.

"In what appears to be a targeted attack, four Newcastle College students were injured by individuals who are not Newcastle College students.

"Police and ambulance services were called immediately to the scene and we can confirm two students were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

"We are keen to reassure our college community that student welfare is our priority and we are working with Staffordshire Police to assist with their inquiries."

Parents today spoke of their shock after hearing about the incident.

One dad told StokeonTrentLive: "The boys suffered serious wounds and were taken to hospital.

"The attackers used a bat, knife and mallett. The college didn't put anything out."

Another parent said: "The attack was in the alleyway going from Newcastle College up to Sainsbury's. Apparently one of them was hit with a hammer."

Police are now appealing for witnesses as a major investigation continues.

They have brought in a 48-hour dispersal order for trouble-plagued Clough Hall Park after mass disorder broke out across Kidsgrove and Newcastle.

In other incidents police were also seen at Kidsgrove Station and seven patrol cars were stationed in King Street close to Kidsgrove Convenience Store.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing and officers are investigating whether other incidents in the Kidsgrove area and Newcastle College yesterday afternoon are connected."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called at 12.50pm yesterday to reports of an assault on Ashfileds New Road.

"We sent one ambulance to the scene. On arrival we discovered two patients, both teenage boys, who had been assaulted.

"They were both treated for potentially serious injuries and taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital in a stable condition."

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