An elderly couple were disturbed from their sleep at about 12.45am by two men shouting abuse outside, banging on the van and rocking it from side to side.


The occupants asked them to stop fdrom inside the van, but they continued. The 61-year-old man opened the rear of the van and was assaulted.


Two passing members of the public stopped to help the man, but were also assaulted.


The assailants left the scene accompanied by a woman, a young child and a dog.


All three victims had to go to Skegness Hospital by ambulance to be treated for non-life threatening injuries, including a bite to one victim's back and a suspected broken nose.


Police are appealing for information which will help them identify those involved.


The attackers are both described as white. One is in his late 20s, about 6ft tall, of slim build with cropped dark hair and wearing a light coloured t-shirt, light shorts and trainers.


The other man is believed to be in his 30s, around 5ft 10in tall of stocky build with short blond hair and a wart on his chin.


He was wearing a white polo shirt and jeans.


Police are anxious to trace any witnesses or information about the attackers.


* Information to: PC Andrea Smalley at Skegness Police Station, tel 01754 762222, or Crimestoppers anonymously, tel 0800 555111.