A MAN was left unconscious after being set upon by a gang of teenagers in the street.

Police believe that the three attackers continued to hit the man with golf clubs even as he lay on the pavement bleeding from a serious head wound.

In what is thought to be an unprovoked attack, the 25-year-old was set upon as he walked back to rejoin friends on a night out in Seaham, County Durham.

The incident happened some time after 11pm on Saturday in North Railway Terrace.

The victim was walking to The Shore Bar when he saw three men wielding what appeared to be golf clubs.

Without saying a word, they hit him, knocking him unconscious. When he came round, the victim staggered into the nearby Golden Lion pub to raise the alarm. He was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

Officer PC John Woodhall said: "It is entirely possible that there were people on the street at the time who saw what happened and diners in a nearby Italian restaurant may have looked out and spotted the confrontation and attack."

One attacker is described as being about 5ft 5in, with blond hair and aged between 17 and 19. A second was said to be about the same age and about 6ft, with dark hair. Both were wearing light clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.