POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a taxi driver was assaulted while waiting in his car outside pub in east Durham at the weekend.

The 50-year-old man was parked outside Mitchells on West Grove, in Seaham, when the incident happened at 10pm on Saturday.

Acting Detective Sergeant Suzie Cottrell said: "It would appear that the victim was approached by a man asking for a lift.

“When the request was refused, the suspect is believed to have thrown a glass at the taxi driver, causing a significant cut to his head which required stitches.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact police, as they may have information that could assist our investigation."

A 26-year-old man from the Sunderland area has been arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed pending further inquiries.

Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information should contact Seaham police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.