A MAN was attacked with a knife in Southampton in an unprovoked assault while he was walking with his wife.

The 26-year-old victim was approached by another man and a woman, who threatened him and then viciously attacked him with a knife.

He suffered serious cuts to his face and neck and was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

The incident happened on New Year's Day between 1.15am and 1.30am, in a wooded pathway close to the Bittern Pub, between Thornhill Park Road and Byron Road.

The suspect and the woman then walked off along Thornhill Park Road, in the direction of Southampton city centre.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 30 to 35 years-old-, five feet, nine inches tall, medium build, short grade one hair.

While the woman is believed to be younger than the suspect, white with long brown hair.

Police would particularly like to hear from a member of the public who stopped to help the victim and his wife after the assault.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC20992 Lucas on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44150000269.