A MAN was left with broken bones after being attacked by a gang who also targeted his dog.

The 50-year-old was walking his dog in the Cockerton area of Darlington when he was approached by around eight youths.

Members of the group kicked his dog before turning on the victim and violently assaulting him.

The man was left with facial injuries and a broken collar bone after being punched in the face and struck with an unknown implement.

Shortly after the incident, a relative of the victim appealed for information on Facebook.

In a post shared hundreds of times, the relative said: “He was badly shaken and they have smashed and broken his collar bone.

“He’s now needing an operation and will be off work for three months with no money as he’s a self-employed tradesman.”

He urged anyone with information to go to the police and said: “No-one should have to suffer and worry about walking around our town.”

The incident took place on Friday, February 27 at around 7pm on Newton Lane, close to the Archdeacon pub.

The man was treated at Darlington Memorial Hospital and reported the attack the following day.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said police are investigating the incident and appealed for anyone with information to call non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.