TWO young men were dragged from a car and attacked by a group of teenage youths and girls in the centre of Downton on Friday night.

Police have described the incident as "a nasty attack on two visitors to the Downton area" and have appealed for help in tracking down the assailants.

It was between 10.30 and 10.45pm on Friday when the two men, who live in Fordingbridge, pulled into the car park at the rear of the Co-op supermarket in The Borough to pick up a friend who was working in the village that night. Also parked in the car park were two cars, one black and the other a small red hatchback.

Almost immediately, the two men were aware of people coming towards their car.

The passenger door was pulled open and the passenger was dragged out of the car in a headlock.

The driver's door was opened and the young driver was punched several times and pulled from the car.

As this was going on, others stole two mobile phones and other property from the car. Both men also had their wallets stolen.

The gang then ran to the two cars and drove off at speed, leaving the two men badly shaken and bruised.

Sergeant Chris Bevan, of Alderbury Police, said the two victims were so shocked by what had happened that they ran to a nearby public house for help.

Sergeant Bevan said: "This was an unprovoked and nasty assault on two innocent people.

"It is unprecedented in the village in recent times.

"We are already piecing together vital information but we know there were a number of witnesses in the area at the time and they must have seen the gang of young people."

The attackers were aged between 15 and 19.

Sergeant Bevan said: "We want to know who these youths were - we want to know their names.

"We appeal to anyone who knows anything about this or who can help us find the attackers, to come forward."

Any information can be given to Alderbury police station on 01722 710208 or to any police station.