A COUPLE were assaulted in Bishop Auckland town centre as they headed to a nearby takeaway.

Police said the man and woman were crossing the road near St Anne’s Church, in the Market Place, when a small, dark red vehicle, similar to a Ford Ka or Vauxhall Corsa, sped by almost knocking her over.

The car stopped near Bishop Auckland Town Hall and the male drive approached the couple and shouted at them. The 32-year-old male victim challenged the man about his speed.

It was at this point it is believed the female passenger, who was in her early 20s, was verbally abusive before being joined by another woman of a similar age.

While this was taking place the driver punched the man in the face and the passenger punched the 23-year-old woman to the side of her head, knocking her to the ground.

As the victim stood up she was subjected to more blows to the head, which resulted in her losing consciousness for a short period of time.

The incident happened at about 2am on Sunday, September 21.

The male suspect is described as slim, about 5ft 8ins and in his early twenties. He was wearing a light coloured short sleeve shirt/polo shirt and light coloured jeans.

The first female attacker was also slim, with long straight hair and wearing ‘lots of make-up’. She was wearing a tight red dress and black high heel shoes. The other female suspect was white and of chubby build.

Witnesses should call PC Ron Creegan on 101, quoting incident number DHM-21092014-0079.