A MAN and woman who assaulted a teenage girl in an unprovoked attack are being hunted by police.

The 17-year-old was walking home from her boyfriend's house after celebrating New Year when she was subjected to the terrifying ordeal at about 4.30am on Wednesday.

She was making her way through an alley towards her home in Osric Place, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, when she heard a woman shouting and swearing at her.

The teenager carried on walking but was then confronted by the woman, who punched her in the face.

The girl hit out at her attacker in self-defence, but a man then appeared and punched her in the face, knocking her to the floor.

He kicked her several times in the face, before stamping on her head, leaving her unconscious. When the victim came round, she saw the couple running off in the direction of Burn Lane.

The girl suffered severe swelling and bruising to her face and was treated at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The female assailant is described as about 22, 5ft 2in, of slim build, with long, straight brown hair. The man was about 25, 6ft and of medium build.

PC Walter Williams, of Newton Aycliffe police, said: "This young woman was returning home from her boyfriend's house just a short distance away when she was assaulted.

"There appears to be no motive for this vicious attack and the victim has no idea why she was singled out in this way.

"She had cut through an alley because this was the quickest way home for her. The area was quite quiet at the time of the incident."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on (01325) 314401.