Police in Leyburn are investigating four separate, but linked assaults during one evening.
The assaults happened in and around Leyburn market place between 4pm and 10.30pm on Monday 22 June 2015.
The victims include three boys, two aged 17 and one aged 16, and an 18-year-old man, who were attacked at separate times, in separate locations.
Although no serious injuries where sustained, all the victims were understandably distressed.
Police are linking all the assaults and are appealing for anyone who was in the market place in the area of the Golden Lion, the Bolton Arms, the nearby car park and Low Lane to come forward with any information.
One of the victims had his 12-week-old Border Collie puppy with him at the time of the assault and it is believed that the puppy was kicked during the incident. Police believe that a woman or girl wearing a purple dress was in the area at the time and may have witnessed this incident. Officers are specifically appealing for this woman to come forward, if this is you or you know who she is , the police would very much like you to come forward with any information.
Anyone who was in the market place and witnessed any of the incidents, or has any other information, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the Investigation Hub at Northallerton or email InvestigationHubNorthallerton@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12150105024.
A local 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents and has been released on bail while enquiries continue.
