Detectives are hunting two men they would like to speak to in connection with an assault at Leeds railway station which left a Steeton teenager with a broken jaw.

British Transport Police have released these CCTV images of the two men they want to trace in connection with the incident, which left the 18-year-old requiring surgery after he tried to intervene when his friend was punched.

The teenager had his jaw broken in two places during the incident, in which he was punched and knocked to the floor, where he struck his head on the pavement.

Police said he was waiting with a group of friends for a taxi in New Station Street, outside the station entrance, at the time of the attack in the early hours of Sunday.

Detective Constable Tom Eastwood, of British Transport Police, said: “The victim required hospital treatment. His jaw was broken in two places which required surgery.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or recognise the two men pictured, to contact police.”

Officers said the friends were approached by another group of men as they waited for their taxi.

One of the men then reportedly punched the victim’s friend, knocking him into the road. A British Transport Police spokesman said: “When the victim attempted to intervene, he was grabbed from behind, punched and knocked to the floor, where he struck his head on the pavement kerb.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place at 4.30am on Sunday, has been asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference B7/NEA of 20/06/2011, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.