A COUPLE were assaulted at an Indian restaurant by a gang who then hijacked a car to get away.

The man suffered a broken nose and suspected broken ribs while his partner received cuts and bruises to her head after the pair were set upon at Kahn's Tandoori, in Middlesbrough.

The unprovoked attack took place at about 3am on Saturday, when two men and a woman at a nearby table started an argument with the couple.

After challenging the man to a fight, the two men started kicking and punching him.

The man's partner was also set upon by the woman in the group after she tried to protect him.

Following the assault at the restaurant in Linthorpe Road, police said the three attackers made off in a car they hijacked.

After throwing a passenger out of the vehicle, they forced the driver to take them to the Nunthorpe area of the town.

Police said they fled the vehicle at Cook Gate, in Nunthorpe, where they were last seen.

The couple were taken to hospital where they were treated for their injuries.

The three attackers are described as white and aged between 25 and 27.

The first man is of medium height, stocky, with short blond hair and an Irish accent. The second is described as about 5ft 6in, overweight, with short black hair and a goatee beard. The woman is about 5ft 5in and with blonde hair.

Cleveland Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Detective Constable Amanda Welch on (01642) 326326.