The Greater Manchester Police officers were on the way to the scene of a separate incident when they noticed the group of men fighting near a pub in Middleton.

They stopped and attempted to break up the brawl but got dragged in and beaten in the process.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the policeman was punched in the head and knocked unconscious, while the female officer was punched, dragged to the floor and stamped on.

They were both taken to hospital following the assault but have been discharged.

The incident occurred at 2.35am and the attackers fled the scene shortly after. No arrests have yet been made.

Detective Sergeant Tim O’Callaghan, of GMP’s Rochdale division, said: ‘This is a disgusting way to treat police officers, who spend their days and nights trying to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.

‘We are providing welfare support to the two officers who were attacked after bravely trying to intervene in a large fight and keep the peace.

‘We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and are 100 per cent committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

‘Although this happened in the early hours, it was outside a pub at what can be a busy junction so we’re appealing for anyone with information which will assist us with our investigation to contact us immediately’.

One offender is described as white, of medium build with short brown hair with a beard, and was wearing a dark coloured T shirt, trousers and trainers at the time.

Another suspect is thought to also be white of medium build and around 6ft, with short dark hair and stubble. At the time he was wearing a black belted coat, jeans with ripped knees and dark coloured shoes.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4646 quoting number 470 of 21/12/19, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.