A family, including a 15-year-old girl, were viciously beaten up by two thugs for no reason at a Manchester tram stop.

The victims, a couple, and their daughter, were set upon in what police are calling an unprovoked attack in St Peter’s Square in the city centre.

One of the attackers made a sarcastic remark to a 42-year-old before punching him in the face.

A second man then joined in and as the man’s 37-year-old wife and 15-year-old daughter tried to intervene they too were assaulted.

The woman was punched in the face and thrown to the ground and the girl was punched in the face.

The man suffered cuts to his face, the woman injuries to her arms and face and the girl received facial injuries that included a cut lip and swelling to her eye.

The incident happened between 9pm and 9.30pm on Saturday. The family was waiting on the northbound platform.

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A Metrolink spokesman said:“The safety of our passengers is of the utmost importance to us and we simply won’t tolerate this type of anti-social and violent behaviour on our network.

“We will work closely with the police and do whatever we can to help them with their enquiries.”

One offender is described as 30 years old, of average height and slim build with short brown hair and was wearing a black leather jacket.

The second offender is believed to be about 50 years old, taller than his accomplice and of slim build. He had grey hair and was wearing glasses and a grey jumper.

Pc Steven Founds said: “An innocent family were subjected to a violent assault for absolutely no reason whatsoever and we are working to identify the men responsible.

“An innocent husband and father was set upon unexpectedly and when his wife and daughter went to his aid were similarly met with brute force and all have suffered injuries as a result of this disgraceful incident.

“The tram station is a busy one and I am hoping someone may have seen something that will help our investigation.

“If you were there and witnessed what happened or know who is responsible I would encourage you to call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.