The victim suffered a broken cheekbone, nerve damage and a black eye as a result of the assault.

The victim was in the town centre with his girlfriend and another friend and the trio were heading home after leaving the Barum takeaway.

An unknown white male came from the direction of the eatery and said something to the victim before picking him up and throwing him onto the concrete - knocking him unconscious.

Detective Constable Sarah Richards, of Barnstaple CID, said: “This is a seemingly completely unprovoked attack on the victim by a complete stranger.

“Police would like to hear from anybody who witnessed the attack and particularly anybody who can identify the offender.

“The offender was with a female and two other males. The white female had long, mousey brown hair and was wearing very bright/flowery trousers.

“The white two males had blonde/mousey-coloured hair.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference number CR/003298/20

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org