A group of schoolchildren from Northern Ireland were the victims of an "unprovoked" attack while visiting Manchester, local police have said.
A total of 14 students aged between 16 and 17 on a school visit were verbally and physically abused at a car park at the Trafford Centre on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police said.
They suffered a range of injuries, none serious, and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The pupils were from Portadown College, Co Armagh.
‘Unprovoked attack’
Insp Fahar Zaman said: “This was an unprovoked attack on some young people who were visiting our city.
“It is disappointing that the memories they are left with will be of this brutal attack.
“We are working with the Trafford Centre to gather evidence and we are following some positive lines of enquiry to find those responsible.
“We are treating this incident very seriously and are appealing for anyone who was in the area or may have seen anything to get in touch.”
He said that at about 9.15pm on Sunday police were called to a car park at the Trafford Centre in Manchester following reports of fighting.
The students had travelled to the city as part of the school’s annual trip to attend football matches in Manchester.
PA