POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered serious injuries during an alleged unprovoked assault in Teignmouth.

The incident happened between 1am and 1.30am on Sunday, July 12, as three people – two men and a woman – were walking near the taxi rank on Station Road following a night out.

Officers say the group was approached by a man who began behaving aggressively towards the woman before allegedly assaulting one of the men.

When the second man stepped in to protect his friends, he was knocked to the ground and was allegedly kicked and stamped on.

The assault is reported to have continued towards the junction of Pound Lane, close to The Jolie Brise Wetherspoon pub.

The injured man, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital by a taxi driver and received treatment for a number of serious injuries, including a broken arm, jaw, nose and knee, as well as a fractured cheekbone.

The other two victims suffered minor injuries.

Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam footage from taxis or vehicles in the area at the time, to come forward.

Officers are also asking members of the public with photos or videos that could assist the investigation to share them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference number 50260183127.