POLICE are investigating after a couple were assaulted outside a North Yorkshire nightclub.

At about 3.10am on Sunday, a man, 31, and his wife, 26, were approached by a group of men and women outside Matrix nightclub, in Kirkgate, Ripon.

The husband was forced to the ground and attacked before he got away. His wife was also repeatedly punched in the head. Both sustained cuts.

About half an hour later another incident occurred in Claro Road, in Ripon, involving the same group of people. The husband was assaulted again and sustained a head injury, which required stitches.

Two men, aged 21 and 23, and a woman, 26, have been arrested and are on police bail as inquiries continue.

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed either incident to come forward with information.

Anyone who can help police should phone Det Con Kirsten Aldridge on 0845 6060247.