A MAN was hit over the head with a metal bar, robbed and beaten by a trio of thugs on Friday night.

The 34-year-old was walking on a grassed area around Middlesbrough’s Bishopton Road, close to Lambton Road and Castle Way at around 7.50pm when he was approached from behind and attacked.

He fell to the floor after being hit in the head with what he believed was a metal bar and was then repeatedly kicked and punched.

The attackers rifled through his clothes for cash before the man managed to get up and run away, seeking help at a nearby shop.

He was taken to hospital where he received stitches to his head and treatment for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The man said three men – all unknown to him – had been gathered around him when he ran off, with one of them being on a bike at the time.

He thinks one was wearing a red hoody and grey trousers, with black tracksuits being sported by others.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or knows anything about the attack is asked to contact DC John Roberts at Cleveland Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.