report of a free-for-all assault on two crew members from the Meridian cruise ship.

Spokesperson Evelyn James Barnett said both men had left the Frog and Onion pub just before 1 a.m. and were waiting to use a nearby telephone kiosk.

Then a young man rode up on his bike, got off, and started accusing one of the two of hitting him on his bike.

Despite being told that he was mistaken, the young man swung his helmet and hit the visiting crew member, knocking him to the ground.

The man continued assaulting the crew member by kicking him and hitting him with his helmet.

The other crew member tried to intervene and was similarly assaulted.

The victims told Police four other young men then rode up on bikes and joined the assault.

One managed to run to the nearby Club 21 and asked for Police to be called and then ran back to help his friend who was still being attacked.

The sound of Police sirens broke up the assault as the attackers rode off.

The first victim suffered severe headaches, a loose lower tooth, and chipped upper teeth.

One of the attackers appeared to be familiar with martial arts.

Police investigations into the matter are continuing.