THE Westmorland Gazette is hoping to trace two 14-year-old boys who were assaulted in Ulverston on Saturday evening (November 27)

The editorial team would like to speak to the teenagers in order to help improve the chances of the police appeal for information from the public.

The boys - both pupils at Dowdales School in Dalton - were approached by three men at a bus stop on Victoria Street.

Police say the three men engaged them in conversation which resulted in the two boys being asked to fight.

The two boys fled the scene, but were confronted again by the the men in an alley way between Burlington Street and Ainslie Street.

The two boys were punched to the ground and kicked about the body before one of them was set alight with a cigarette lighter.

The blaze was quickly put out and the three males were chased from the scene by local residents.

Anyone who can help with the Gazette's story can contact Daniel Orr on 01539 710154 or via email at daniel.orr@kendal.newsquest.co.uk

Regarding the incident, PC Mark Turner, of Ulverston Police, said: "On the day of the Dickensian Festival when Ulverston is trying to show what it has to offer to visitors, these three males carried out a terrifying assault.

"It was a mindless crime."

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 0845 2200247.