Two Croydon dads who were viciously attacked after trying to help a woman in distress have appealed for bystanders to help identify their attackers.

Civil engineer, Lee, 31, from Addiscombe, and company director Darren, 31, from South Norwood, were punched and kicked by a gang of up to nine youths in an alley off George Street at around 2am on Saturday, January 26.

Lee suffered multiple injuries including two black eyes, a severely bruised head and a gashed knee while Darren had three teeth knocked out and his nose broken after being knocked unconscious.

Both have been off work since the attack and want to protect their identities for fear of reprisal.

They had attended an Edenham High School class reunion and were heading towards East Croydon station when they stopped in an alley between Safeways and Pals Bar to go to the toilet.

There they were approached by a distressed girl who asked them to help a friend, who was arguing with her boyfriend down the alley.

But when they challenged the man, he head-butted both men in the face, knocking them to the floor. Lee said: "Both of us got up quite quickly and saw about eight or nine blokes running towards us."

They were then punched, kicked and stamped on for about 30 seconds. The gang fled when they were disturbed by bouncers from Pals. Lee added: "We weren't trying to cause trouble, we just wanted to help this girl and we never laid a finger on anyone."

Since Saturday the victims, both young fathers, have been struggling to deal with the attack. Lee said: "It's particularly disturbing when you shut your eyes and it's there haunting you. I'm finding it very difficult to sleep."

A spokesman for Croydon police said: "This was a cowardly attack on two individuals who were trying to help someone in distress. We would like to hear from anyone who might have information relating to this vicious attack."

CCTV images are being studied and anyone with information should call 020 8649 1343.