Two teenage boys have been charged after a 13-year-old boy was allegedly bashed near Newcastle Interchange, leaving him with facial injuries and requiring hospital treatment.

The alleged attack unfolded about 9pm on Saturday, May 30, on Stewart Avenue at Newcastle West.

Police say the 13-year-old was assaulted by two males who fled the scene before officers arrived. Despite an immediate search of the area, the pair could not be found.

The injured boy was treated and taken to hospital for assessment.

Following investigations, police arrested a 16-year-old boy at Stockton on Wednesday morning. He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company, shoplifting and breaching bail conditions.

The teen was initially refused bail before appearing in a children’s court, where he was later granted conditional bail. He is due back in court on June 22.

Hours later, police arrested a 17-year-old boy in Broadmeadow. He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and shoplifting.

He was granted conditional bail and is expected to face court on July 13.

The charges come after detectives spent days investigating the alleged attack, which shocked commuters and residents in the busy Newcastle Interchange precinct.