TWO tourists were beaten and sprayed in the face with an unknown substance in the early hours.

Police chased suspects through city centre streets and arrested two teenagers in connection with the attack.

The two Icelandic men were in West Street, Brighton, when they were accosted by a group of men wearing black clothing.

Then the group set upon them, leaving them both needing treatment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital for injuries including bruising and swelling to the faces and facial fractures.

Police were called at about 4.30am on Saturday and were given a description of the suspects.

Shortly afterwards they spotted people matching this description nearby but they dashed away when they saw police.

Officers set off after them on foot, chasing them through city centre streets before detaining two people.

Two 17-year-old boys, from Lancing and Littlehampton, were arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm and suspicion of possessing a weapon for discharge of a noxious liquid.

The boy from Lancing was also arrested on suspicion of assault, going equipped for theft and possession of a class A drug.

The pair were interviewed and released on police bail until November 16.

Detective Sergeant Sebastian Day said: “This was a nasty assault on two visitors to the city. We are keen to hear from any witnesses who saw the incident or from anyone who has information about it.”

This can be reported online or by calling 101 and quoting serial 216 of 19/10.