A GANG of youths kicked a mobile phone out of their victim's hand as he tried to call for help, then assaulted him.

The 22-year-old man suffered cuts and bruises in the attack, which took place at the back of Clifford Road, Stanley, County Durham, at 2.30am on Saturday.

One of the attackers is described as 5ft 8in, of medium build, with heavily gelled hair brushed forward into a fringe. There was also a girl in the gang, described as 5ft 4in, overweight, with curly brown hair and an oval shaped face. Anyone with information is asked to contact Consett police on (01207) 504204.

INQUEST OPENED: An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of a pensioner in hospital. John Whitfield, 77, of Seymour Crescent, Eaglescliffe, was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, on September 10, but died there last Thursday. His son David, 54, of Middleton St George, near Darlington, gave evidence of identification to Teesside Coroner's Court.

MODEL OPPORTUNITY: Portmeirion tableware company is searching for two men and two women to model on Wednesday, October 16 for its brochure which will be published throughout the UK and US. The winners will also receive £100 cash, vouchers and a bottle of bubbly. Anyone interested and over 18 should send a recent photo with height, size and contact details to Gary Preston, Portmeirion Potteries, London Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QQ by next Wednesday.

HEARING ADJOURNED: A pensioner died in hospital two days after being in collision with a car, the opening of an inquest heard yesterday. Frank Mottram was in collision with a car at the junction of Balmoral Road and Ormesby Road in Middlesbrough on Monday, September 23. He was rushed to Middlesbrough General Hospital where he died on Wednesday. His son, David, 48, gave evidence of identification to Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield, who adjourned the hearing pending further inquiries.

ALLOTMENT FIRE: Firefighters were called to put out a blaze at allotments in east Cleveland, yesterday afternoon. The fire destroyed a shed and damaged a greenhouse in Church Lane, Eston. The cause of the blaze is being investigated.

TRAINS DELAYED: Passengers on the East Coast Mainline faced delays of up to an hour yesterday after the 5.05am Leeds to London train broke down between Peterborough and Huntingdon. GNER said services were back to normal by mid-morning.