The 23-year-old victim was targeted after a car pulled up behind him and a stranger got out and punched him to the face and head several times.

The attacker then got back in the car and driving off.

The victim, who was knocked to the ground during the incident, sustained severe bruising to his cheek and has had to undergo minor surgery at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Police have appealed for information on the attack in Laird Road, in the Owton Manor area of Hartlepool, at around 11.15pm on Sunday, January 3.

The suspect is described as white, in his late 30s to early 40s, of stocky build and approximately 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins-tall.

The man had grey hair, was wearing a cream jumper and was driving an original style, dark-coloured Vauxhall Astra.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Lawrence Orcheston-Findlay, of Hartlepool Police, on (01642) 302178 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.