Police are appealing for witnesses to a late night attack which left a teenager badly cut and bruised at the weekend.

An 18 year-old man was walking to his Bishop Auckland home between midnight on Friday and 12.30am on Saturday morning when he was attacked.He was approached by one male who asked him for money by the junction of Cockton Hill Road with McIntyre Terrace.

He was then set upon by another four males who pushed him to the ground, punched him and stole a wallet and cash from his pockets.

DC Jim Lawrie said: "We want any witnesses, such as taxi drivers and people going home from night clubs, to contact us with descriptions of the males involved.

"We believe there may have been other similar incidents in the area that have not been reported to the police so urge any possible victims to come forward as they may able to help with our inquiries."

Anyone who witnessed the attack or was involved in a similar incident in the town is asked to call Bishop Auckland CID on (01325) 742311.