A boxing coach is urging youngsters to take up the sport as a way of self discipline following an assault on two nine-year-old boys.

Adrian Kirkbride, a coach at Maryport’s Nemesis Boxing Club, says that more should be done in the town for young people.

His comments come after two boys were attacked by a group of older teenagers on grassland off Ellenborough Place a fortnight ago.

Mr Kirkbride, who is also a borough councillor for Maryport, said: “As a councillor, there needs to be more in the town and there will be.

“There are things for them to do but they have to go and find it.”

He said incidents such as the assault on the two boys come from “lack of fulfilment”.

“I think a lot of it comes from boredom and inactivity,” he added. “A boxing club is ideal for that kind of situation, it will give them a direction and discipline. It gives them a bit of self belonging,” he said.

He singles out former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua as an example of how boxing can change people’s lives.

Despite being charged with drug related offences when he was a teenager, Joshua applied himself to the sport and became a world champion.

Residents have spoke of their shock following the assault, which left the nine-year-olds with cuts and bruises.

Carl McCallig, 22 of Kirkby Street, said: “I think it’s absolutely awful hearing that.

“Much older lads attacking much younger kids, that’s not right at all.”

A resident who lives on Gilmour Street, near to where the incident occurred, said she and her husband rarely witness any trouble in the area.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “God love them, it would scare them off here for life.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which occurred between 4.45pm and 5.45pm on June 29.

A spokesman for the Cumbria force said: “I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that has not got in touch already to speak with an officer on 101, email 101@cumbria.police.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.”