A gangs of youths assaulted a young couple in a late night attack in Braintree town centre.

A 20-year-old man, from the Braintree area, is believed to have been punched by a group of youths while they held back his 19-year-old girlfriend in Rayne Road.

The attack is understood to have taken place near Morrisons supermarket at about 1.55am on Saturday.

Two of the youths are described as being about 16-years-old.

One was wearing a dark jacket and dark tracksuit bottoms, and the other was wearing a dark hooded top and dark clothing.

Anybody with any information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.