TWO teenagers have been charged in connection with an alleged assault on a footballer that left him needing reconstructive facial surgery.

Temitayo Akinola, 19, of Vincent Street, Canning Town, and Teni Ladega, 19, of Hesper Road, Colchester, were each charged with Grievous Bodily Harm after they answered bail yesterday.

Richie Robins was allegedly assaulted outside the Subway fast food outlet in Queen Street, Colchester, in the early hours of December 21 last year.

The 21-year-old from Clacton was allegedly kicked and beaten after he stepped in to protect a female friend.

Mr Robins, formerly goalkeeper for Wivenhoe FC, was snapped up by a modelling agency in April despite his injuries which - thanks to the surgery - did not drastically alter his appearance.

Akinola, a charity worker, and Ladega 19, a student, will appear before Colchester Magistrates on June 27.

They have been granted bail in the meantime.