One of the Asian victims of the attack was left with stab wounds and the other suffered cuts and bruises.

Umair Alam and Shuhal Amjad were set upon as they walked through Town Fields, Doncaster. Police said their attackers had been drinking for most of the afternoon.

Mr Alam received two stab wounds to his back, above each buttock, and needed hospital treatment. However, the wounds were superficial and he was not seriously hurt. Mr Amjad sustained bruises to his nose and a three centimetre cut to his back - but this was not caused by a knife.

Eight youths have appeared at Sheffield Crown Court, where they had been due to go on trial - but changed their pleas and admitted their roles in the incident.

A 16-year-old boy, from Intake, Doncaster, pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding.

Brett Tew, 18, of Thorne Road, Doncaster, along with five 17-year-old boys and a girl, also 17, admitted affray.

Judge Graham Robinson was told the youths had "threatened unlawful violence" and their conduct was "such that would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety".

Two other youths were dealt with before the case came to court. One received a reprimand and another was given a final warning, as a result of lesser involvement in the incident, in May 2007.

Police initially described the attack as "racially motivated" but this was not included in the charges.

Judge Robinson adjourned the case until September, pending pre-setence reports.

He said most of the youths will not receive custodial sentences - but warned them: "It's time you grew up, all of you."

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