POLICE have cordoned off part of a Hampshire town following two separate - yet believed to be linked - serious assaults.

Officers this morning cordoned off a section of pavement at the junction between Barton Court Rd and Station Rd in New Milton.

Police at the scene say a man aged 23, and a woman, 22, were attacked on Barton Court Rd in the early hours of this morning, between 1am and 3am.

The couple were walking home after a night out at the Rydal Arms pub. The male victim was hit over the head with a bottle and the woman was punched in the head.

Both were taken to Bournemouth General Hospital.

According to the pub manager, Andrew Bond, there was an incident at the pub at closing time which then continued further up the road.

The incident is being treated as GBH say officers, due to the injuries sustained. One man was taken to hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries. The woman also suffered minor injuries.

Another man also suffered serious injuries after he was assaulted on Ashley Common Road, and police believe the incidents are related.

The second assault which took place at the junction between Poplar Road and Ashley Common Road is being treated as ABH.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information which could help should call New Milton police on 101. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.