A WOMAN was knocked unconscious during a brutal assault in a Colchester subway.

The 20-year-old was punched in the face in the Southway underpass , near to Mersea Road, and, while unconscious, she was robbed.

It happened between 3.30am and 3.45am on Friday, February 20 while she walked home alone after a night out.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "One of the suspects asked to borrow her mobile phone.

"When she did not reply, and carried on walking, one of the men punched her in the face.

"The victim was knocked unconscious and fell to the ground.

"When she awoke, she found her bank card and £60 cash had been stolen."

She was hit so hard she fractured her cheek and suffered bruising and swelling to her right eye.

She also suffered head injuries after falling to the floor and had bruised ribs and a swollen lip.

Both suspects are white men, about 6ft tall and clean shaven.

Both wore black hooded tops and blue jeans.

Anyone with information call Colchester police station on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org