TWO teenagers from the south of the country were set upon in York by two men - including one who looked like Coronation Street character Peter Barlow.

An 18-year-old man was left with serious facial injuries after he was punched and kicked by two men, who had asked him where he was from. The victim's 16-year-old companion ran off when the attack started and was not injured.

The two teenagers were walking along The Mount at about 9.30pm on Saturday when two men in their 20s approached them and began a conversation.

A police spokesman said: "They asked them where they were from and when the older one answered "from the south" he was punched in the face, at which point his friend ran off. During the assault they were demanding money from him, although he did not give them any. Then they both ran off towards Tadcaster Road."

The injured man called police who then conducted a search of the area before taking him to hospital.

He suffered a broken nose, possible broken cheek bone, extensive bruising around his left eye and cuts to his face. The attack happened opposite the Kwik Fit garage in The Mount.

One of the offenders was white, about 6ft tall, of slim build with short dark hair and wearing a denim jacket.

The second man was described as looking like a chubby version of Peter Barlow, from Coronation Street. Anyone with information should contact DC Clive Rich on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:52 Tuesday, December 24, 2002