A YOUNG couple were knocked out cold by two thugs in an unprovoked attack in Newton Abbot yesterday.

A 17-year-old lad and his girlfriend were walking home in the early hours when they were confronted by the culprits, both said be in their late teens to early 20s.

After a verbal exchange in The Avenue, near the B&Q roundabout, the pair were set on by the offenders.

The girlfriend was injured as she tried to stop the duo assaulting her boyfriend at about 1am.

Both victims were taken to Torbay Hospital for treatment for facial injuries.

A police spokesman said one of the two being sought had ash/blond hair and was wearing a grey jumper.

He was of average build and had distinctively small eyes.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting crime CR073556/16.