A teenager was hospitalised after suffering a violent and unprovoked attack in Totnes town centre on Saturday night.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the 16-year-old boy was assaulted on The Plains just after midnight.
The youngster was punched in the face and beaten to the ground after stopping off to buy a take-away pizza on his return home from a party.
The School pupil was left in shock and subdued after the vicious attack.
Police said they are investigating the assault, which happened sometime between midnight on Saturday at 12.10am on Sunday August 8.
A police spokesman said: “It was reported the victim was punched in the face and sustained cuts and bruising.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information, is asked to call police on 101, or email [email protected], quoting reference CR/067620/21.