A MAN celebrating his 26th birthday was knocked out and his wife had a leg broken in an unprovoked attack.

A thug in a taxi queue launched what police called a "nasty and vicious" assault after the pair remonstrated with him.

He dragged the man from a taxi they had got into, attacked him and punched his wife in the face and threw her to the ground when she went to his aid. She fell awkwardly, breaking a leg.

She was in the University Hospital of North Durham for two days. Her husband, who lost consciousness for a few seconds, suffered no lasting effects.

The incident, which was recorded on closed circuit television cameras, happened in Durham's Market Place at 1am on Sunday.

PC Peter Smith said: "The couple could have been even more badly hurt if another man in the queue had not intervened."

The thug, who was with a woman, tried unsuccessfully to get into another taxi and left the scene.

He is described as mid-20s, 6ft, with short brown hair and wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and trousers.

The woman with him was of a similar age, 5ft 4in and wearing a dark blazer jacket.

Anyone with information about the attack, including medical students who helped the couple, should call PC Smith 0191-386 4222.

They can also call Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.

"The events were recorded by the city's CCTV cameras but we are still anxious to trace anyone in the area at the time who can help us track down the man responsible for this unprovoked attack.''