MUGGERS threatened to rape and kill a terrified woman while punching her boyfriend in the face during a horrifying attack on a Southampton street.

The two attackers stole a digital camera, mobile phone, Blackberry, and a scarf, jacket and gloves during the early morning incident.

The couple, both aged 23, were making their way home from a night out at Clowns nightclub on Bevois Valley Road when they were approached by the pair at the junction of Thomas Lewis Way and Dukes Road.

The first man told the male victim “This is a mugging” and began rifling through his pockets.

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His accomplice dragged the man’s girlfriend away, pushed her to the ground and was seen to kick her while making threats to kill and rape her. Other comments were made suggesting the pair were carrying knives, but no weapon was seen.

Both victims were left with bruising, cuts and grazes, while the woman was also left with swelling and whiplash-type injuries.

One of the attackers is described as dark-skinned, aged 25, around 6ft 1in and of medium-stocky build, and with jaw-length dreadlocks.

The other was white, in his midtwenties, 6ft and of medium build and with stubble on his chin and cheeks. He had a red mountain bike with white or silver coloured stripes.

The incident happened between 2am and 3am on New Year’s Day, but police have only just released details.

Officers want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, including the driver of a doctor’s vehicle who pulled over to offer assistance to the victims.

Anyone with information should call PC Matt Buck at the Hulse Road priority crime team on the non-emergency 101 number