POLICE in Chester-le-Street are appealing for a young woman to come forward after a good Samaritan who went to her aid was attacked.

The man, in his early 20s, suffered cuts to his forehead and needed hospital treatment following the incident at about midnight on Thursday as he was walking in West Lane, behind Front Street, in Chester-le-Street.

Police said that the victim saw a teenage girl and a young man in the lane and became concerned for the young woman's welfare because the man was shouting at her.

When he asked her if everything was all right, he felt a blow to his face and was aware that there were a number of youths on bicycles with the pair.

After the assault, he staggered back to Front Street and, as he continued walking, the girl involved in the altercation followed him and asked him if he was okay.

She then walked off and the victim caught a taxi to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, where he received treatment for cuts to his forehead.

Detective Constable Marco Fantin said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a good Samaritan who expressed concern for the safety of a young woman and was rewarded with violence.

"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward and would urge the young woman, in particular, to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chester-le-Street CID on 0845 60 60 365, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.