STAFF at a popular High Street pub in Peebles were attacked on Friday evening by a gang of youths.

A brawl broke out at the County Inn after the group of teenagers were refused entry due to their age.

And two members of staff were slightly injured during the disturbance that followed.

The behaviour of the youths has been condemned on social media by one of the pub's employees.

And County Inn bosses say their team were left shaken by the attack.

A spokesperson for the family-friendly pub told us: “We can confirm there was an altercation outside of the pub on Friday evening after a group was denied entry and became physically violent towards team members.

“The police were called at the time and are now investigating.

"While there were no serious injuries, our team is understandably shaken by this experience and we are offering support to those involved."

The gang had dispersed by the time police had arrived.

Investigating officers have now issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland told us: "The incident happened at around 10.20pm on Friday, August 24 outside a premises in the High Street area.

"A 24-year-old man sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

"Officers are eager to trace a suspect seen leaving the area shortly after the assault."

The ring-leader of the gang is described as being around 16-years-old, five-foot-nine-inches tall of stocky build with light-coloured hair.

He was wearing a dark hoody with light coloured sleeves.

The violence outside the County Inn came less than 24 hours before another sickening attack by youths in Kelso.

A 47-year-old man, who was leaving the town's Poynder Park rugby club, was punched and kicked to the ground by a gang.

A video of the violence, which was posted on social media, has led to widespread condemnation and calls for tougher action to be taken on youth offenders.

Anyone with with information on the Peebles incident is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 4783 of August 24, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.