RESIDENTS on a Southampton estate have spoken of their horror after a teenager was left fighting for his life following a gang beating.

The 17-year-old, who has not been named by police, was set upon by four youths in a quiet footpath in Thornhill at about 10pm on Tuesday.

Police said he received a "vicious and sustained beating" which left him with severe head injuries.

Yesterday an officer stood guard over the sealed-off land, near Masefield Green, as detectives searched for clues.

Two men, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, both from Thornhill, were arrested shortly after the attack.

Police are still hunting two other suspects. As the teenager was treated at Southampton General Hospital's intensive care unit, with his mother by his side, residents on the estate told of their shock.

Masefield Green resident Julie Parker, 37, said: "I didn't hear anything but if it was four on one the poor kid probably didn't have a chance to make any noise. It makes me feel completely sick."

Some residents said they heard screaming and shouting at about 8pm, but never expected it could yield such a brutal attack at the well-used cut-through to Harefield.

Det Insp Nigel Oliver said the two men they had arrested were still being questioned.

He ruled out the possibility that it was a racist attack and hinted that he was closing in on the other suspects.

Call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 with information.