Police say two people have been assaulted before having their ute — with a beloved family dog inside — stolen in a seemingly unprovoked attack in north-east Queensland. 

The dog, a merle border collie, is still missing and authorities are investigating.

Queensland Police Service said initial investigations indicate a male and female — not known to the victims — were travelling along Miles Avenue and Allambie Lane in Kelso, Townsville on scooters.

Around 4pm, they approached the 43-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, assaulted them and stole their black Ford Ranger with Queensland registration 117HT7.

The victims were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone who has any information about the robbery with violence incident, or knows the whereabouts of the dog or the ute, is urged to contact police.