A COUPLE were badly beaten up by a gang of youths during a disturbance in the centre of a County Durham market town.

A 44-year-old man required hospital treatment and his 41-year-old partner was also hurt during the incident, which happened in Barnard Castle on Friday night.

Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Barnard castle Police, said the couple had gone out investigate the cause of noise in Hall Street, between 9.30pm and 10pm.

The couple, who live locally, found themselves confronted by a large gang – possibly between 10 and 20 strong and thought to be aged from 15 into their 20s.

Sgt Rogers declined to give details of the couples' injuries.

But he added: “Both were assaulted and received various injuries which required medical treatment.

“The man was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.”

Earlier in the evening, the official switch-on of Barnard Castle's Christmas lights had taken place.

Sgt Rogers said: “We are not linking this incident to the switch-on of the lights, but there were a lot of people out and about that night.”

Although there are no dedicated CCTV cameras covering Hall Street, part of which is a walkway alongside the Witham arts complex connecting Horse Market and Queen Street, Sgt Rogers said footage from other cameras in the town centre was being studied.

“We are appealing for any witnesses who saw this incident to come forward,” he added.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who was part of this group of youths.”

Sgt Rogers said the assault was an isolated attack.

“This type of incident is not common in Barnard Castle – I cannot remember the last time this kind of thing happened in the town.”

Anyone with information should contact Barnard Castle Police on 101.