Teen beaten in savage attack

11:27am Thursday 15th May 2008

A TEENAGER was beaten so savagely in an unprovoked attack that the metal plate in his arm was bent and dislodged.

The 18-year-old was left unconscious after the assault in Horden, County Durham, on Saturday night.

Police say the victim had been out drinking with friends during the day, but had left for his home in Peterlee at around 10pm.

The next thing he remembers is waking up in the street behind Sunderland Road and was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment to his injuries.

Medics discovered that a metal plate in his left arm, fitted after he suffered a broken arm in a previous accident, had been bent out of shape by the force of the blows.

The dislodging of the plate had in turn resulted in a new fracture to the arm and he was also diagnosed with a broken left wrist; he also had several cuts and bruises to his face.

PC Helen Richardson said: "Doctors have told us it would have taken considerable force to dislodge the plate, it could not have happened by accident.

"It would seem the victim has been punched or kicked unconscious and we need to hear from anyone who saw what happened."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, 0800 555111 or the police on 0845 6060 365.