crowded road and attacked them in Washington Mall.

Witnesses to the attack said that the gang, numbering up to 15 youths, used bottles as weapons.

The assault has shocked shopkeepers in the Mall who fear further incidents may affect business.

The attack occurred on Wednesday evening shortly after 5 p.m., according to witness Mr. Charles Spanswick.

Mr. Spanswick, a well known local businessman and political activist, has spoken to the victims who have asked not to be named. Both are aged 17 and work on Victoria Street. They have refused to make an official complaint to Police.

Mr. Spanswick said: "Apparently one of the boys was confronted by four others the previous day. But he told them he had a knife and they left.

"He was going to the bus terminal the next day with his colleague when this gang attacked them. There were about 15 or 20 of them wearing either those hooded jackets or school uniforms.

"They chased them across Church Street -- cars were stopped at the red lights -- and they caught up with them in Washington Mall.

"The boys were struck with bottles and managed to escape into a shop. The gang still tried to get to them until the Police arrived and they dispersed.'' Mr. Spanswick said that the boys did not make a complaint to Police because they feared they would be victimised. They were not seriously hurt.

One local shopkeeper who saw the incident said: "It was all over very quickly but it was frightening.

"I just saw this gang outside. A lot of the youths were just watching but they were making a lot of noise.

"I am not sure but I believe that bottles were used. There were some smashed bottles so I think they may have been hit over helmets because they probably would not have broken on someone's head.

"There was a Policeman here but he did not ask any questions, so I do not suppose there will be a report.

"I was affected by this for some time afterwards. Hopefully it will only be a one-off thing.'' Mr. Spanswick said he believed the problems stemmed from the bus station and said he would be calling for the Corporation of Hamilton and the Ministry of Transport to make an effort to stop such incidents happening again.

Police Community Relations Officer, Sgt. John Dale confirmed that an incident had occurred and Police officers arrived to disperse the group. He said Police had not received an official complaint.

He said that Police were keeping a watch on the bus terminal, particularly when school children were on their way home when the problems normally occurred.

He said a Police officer was always on duty at those times and other officers visited the terminal as part of their rounds.

Mr. Charles Spanswick.