A POLICEMAN was knocked unconscious on a remote country lane after stopping a car. Now his colleagues are hunting two suspects.

The unnamed police constable from Risca station was attacked as he carried out a routine check on a car on Ochrwyth, near Risca.

He suffered bruising to the right side of his head, to the left side of his forehead and above his ear. He is currently on sick leave.

The attack happened just after 7am on Saturday as the policeman pulled over a car with two men inside.

Police say the car stopped and the driver got out to allow the officer to take a look inside.

At this point the driver started protesting and punched the officer to the side of the head as he was peering in the car.

The force of the punch rocked the officer's head onto the roof of the car, causing him to sink to his knees and lose consciousness.

When the PC eventually came to several minutes later, the men and their car had gone.

Now Gwent police are appealing to the public for information to trace two suspects they want to interview in connection with the attack. They are believed to be in their early 20s.

One is described as white, around 5ft 10ins, and clean shaven with short cut dark hair.

He had a muscular build, was wearing a dark blue/grey fleece top and spoke with a Newport accent.

The other is around the same age and was wearing a beige-coloured beanie-type hat.

The car involved was a red Vauxhall Astra or Peugeot 306 hatchback.

Detective Constable Debbie Mitson, from Risca police, said: "This was an unprovoked and unnecessary attack on one officer carrying out his daily duties.

"We are anxious to track these two men down and anyone with information is urged to contact Risca police station on 01633 612391."