THREE thugs are being hunted by police after they robbed a man of his shopping on the streets of Newton Abbot in broad daylight.

The 41-year-old victim was punched to the ground and then further assaulted before his newly-bought sunglasses and clothing were snatched by the trio.

They launched their unprovoked assault at a taxi rank on Queen Street near Lloyds Bank on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

All three attackers were seen running off in the direction of the bank.

Their victim, local to the town, was rushed to Torbay Hospital for treatment to chest and facial injuries.

Officers investigating the crime want to speak to anyone who saw the assault or the offenders running away from the scene.

One of the suspects was white, in his 30s, about 5ft 6ins tall, clean shaven and with short blond hair.

The second suspect was white, in his late 20s, with long brown hair on top and a full ginger and brown beard.

He was wearing a white T-shirt and khaki cargo shorts with side pockets.

No description was available of the third man.

Anyone with information can email [email protected], or call 101, quoting crime reference CR/029716/16.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.