A YOUNG couple were assaulted after leaving a nightclub in Preston town centre.

The pair, in their early twenties, were leaving the Warehouse nightclub, off Church Street, in the early hours of Sunday, February 24, to find a taxi.

They were walking towards the bus station when they were surrounded by eight young men, at the junction with Derby Street.

The boyfriend, from Bolton, was punched in the face, and fell to the floor. Then his girlfriend, from Fulwood, stepped in to help.

Detective Sergeant John Crichton of Preston police said: "The boyfriend was knocked to the floor again and kicked and punched.

"She was assaulted as well, but not as badly as the boyfriend."

The boyfriend received a two-inch gash above and below his left eye.

The attacker ran off down Church Street, then the group disappeared too.

He attacker was around 18 to 19 years old, with a slim build and short black hair, and clean shaven. One of the group was wearing a sweatshirt with red and yellow stripes.

Anybody with information should call Preston police on 203203.