London - Two brothers, as young as 10 and 11, appeared in court in Britain Tuesday charged with the attempted murder of two boys of similar age who were subjected to a "sickening" attack involving bricks, a knife and burning cigarettes.

The two victims, aged 9 and 11, are continuing to receive hospital treatment after suffering serious injuries following the attack in Doncaster, in the northern county of Yorkshire, Saturday.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has condemned what he called a "shocking incident." Locals said the attackers, who had recently moved in with foster parents in the town, had been notorious troublemakers.

Police were alerted when the younger victim was spotted wandering in Doncaster Saturday afternoon dazed, covered in blood, without socks and shoes, and looking for his friend.

The youngster told the people who found him where to find his 11-year-old friend and uncle, who was discovered semi-conscious in a nearby wooded ravine.

Media reports, quoting residents, said they believed the boys had been hit with bricks, slashed with a knife and burned with cigarettes in a "sickening" assault during which the attackers demanded that they hand over money, their mobile phones and sneakers.

The two alleged attackers appeared before magistrates at Doncaster Youth Court Tuesday accused of attempted murder and robbery.

They were flanked by security officers but showed no emotion when the charges were read to them. They were remanded in custody until a later date. (dpa)