A 17-year-old youth was kicked in the face and hit with an eight foot plank while queueing outside Leicester Town Hall booking office for tickets to see rock superstars The Who.

More than 30 stalwart fans had camped out in the freezing weather on Saturday night but for Martin Carter of 58 Blenheim Crescent, Broughton Astley, the 12 hour wait became a violent ordeal when he was set upon by two youths.

Mr. Carter heard youths shouting around the corner and got out of his sleeping bag early on Sunday morning. He was chased, pushed to the ground, kicked in the face several times and then hit with a plank.

His attackers ran off. The police were informed but Mr. Carter was still intent on waiting all night to secure tickets before having treatment for his injuries.

He was eventually persuaded to go to the Leicester Royal Infirmary where it was discovered his nose was broken. He also received six stitches on his lips.

But the dedicated fans who braved the elements to be first in line need not have bothered.

Today a spokesman for the City Council's entertainments department said after the box office opened on Sunday morning for four hours 2,600 of the 4,000 tickets costing were sold. Sales were restricted to four per person. The Who are presenting one concert in the city at the Granby Halls on January 25.