Two American sailors visiting the Island on a US Coast Guard ship were beaten and robbed by a gang of youths in St. George's on Monday night.

The victims from the USCGC Dallas had been socialising around the town during a brief rest and relaxation visit when they were violently set upon by the youths.

A Police spokesman said one sailor, a 22-year-old from South Carolina, received abrasions to his face and elbows, while his 21-year-old colleague, also from South Carolina, sustained a hairline fracture to his nose.

The incident happened on King's Square after the men had been drinking in the White Horse Tavern and Freddies Pub.

It is believed the sailors had been sitting in the parking lot of the square at around 11.45 p.m. when they were attacked by a gang of six youths.

One of the victims had his black leather wallet stolen, which had a blue and yellow FSA sticker on it. The other man had his military identification stolen.

Police said the victims were only able to describe one of their attackers. They said he was five-foot-ten inches tall, stoutly built, with short black hair, and clean shaven. He was wearing a black and red polar fleece pullover.

St. George's Town Crier E. Michael Jones said he felt it was "ridiculous" and shameful behaviour.

"The men were here for rest and relaxation and they had been to Freddies Pub on the Square before being attacked," he said. "Someone telephoned me and told me that there was blood near the Town Hall, so I don't know if their attackers had knives or not.

"I am really sorry that this has happened, but there are many incidents like this that go unreported.

"Also, the Police are so far away sometimes that it can take them up to 15 minutes to respond to an incident."

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward. Witnesses can contact Eastern CID on 297-1122, or the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477."