Two 18-year-old men were left with severe knife wounds after a vicious gang attack outside McDonald's in Potters Bar on Saturday.

Hertfordshire Constabulary believe a fight broke out between two groups of youths at about 6.30pm outside the Darkes Lane restaurant, close to the railway station.

During the fight, one 18-year-old man was slashed with a knife across the forehead, leaving him needing 22 stiches to the four-inch long cut. The other victim needed 44 stitches to a half-metre cut across his back.

Both were taken to Barnet Hospital and later released following treatment. A third man also suffered a puncture wound to the neck in the attack.

Launching Operation Judicious, Detective Constable Greg Smale, of the Central Area Crime Unit, said the group responsible for the attack then ran off towards the railway station, opposite the restaurant.

"It's vital that we find the offenders who caused such nasty injuries to these young men," Det Con Smale said. "We urgently need to speak to anyone who was involved in the incident or who witnessed the fight or assault."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Smale on 01707 638225, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

October 10, 2001 18:43