TWO men working for a Hereford firm were caught up in a violent incident in Exeter.

Both were badly injured when they went to help a man bleeding from knife wounds to his arm.

They were reportedly attacked by eight men and one woman and were taken to hospital on Wednesday night (October 9).

The men had been in Exeter for four days working for Arctic Circle, a refrigeration technology firm in Coldnose Road, Rotherwas.

The partner of one of the men said they were walking back to their hotel when they went to help a stricken knife victim in the town’s Cathedral Green, and were then attacked.

She added: “Thankfully, they are back home and five people have so far been charged.”

Her partner, she said, was “battered, bruised and broken. Needless to say, he will not be returning to Exeter any day soon”.

She did not wish to be named, or provide the names of her partner and his colleague.

Deborah Gittoes, managing director at Arctic Circle said: "Three of our employees came to the aid of a man who was being attacked in Exeter last Wednesday night.

"They called the police and ambulance and were themselves attacked whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

"They were incredible brave to intervene and we are grateful that the injuries they sustained are not serious and will heal with time."

Exeter news website Devon Live reports that five people aged between 18 and 31 have been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and assault causing actual bodily harm.