THE girlfriend of a man left fighting for his life following a “nasty and unprovoked” assault has issued an emotional appeal for information.

Shane Tunney remains in an induced coma at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, following the assault on Norton High Street, near Stockton, in the early hours of Saturday, June 27, which left him with serious head injuries.

The 24-year-old car valeter was with his friend, Anthony Kirk at the time, and the pair were kicked, punched and stamped on during the attack.

It is thought a metal bar was used during the assault, however Mr Kirk only suffered minor injuries.

Mr Tunney’s space grey iPhone 5S was also stolen and has still not been traced.

Seven teenagers, aged from 16 to 18, were arrested in connection with the assault and have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Tunney’s girlfriend, Vix Cooper, has today (Friday, July 24) appealed for anyone with information “no matter how big or small it is” to get in touch with the police.

“Our whole lives have come to a halt. We can’t get on with normal things and we put all our effort into supporting Shane,” the 23-year-old said.

“He is a lovely person and would do anything for anyone.

“Shane is always up for a challenge, and this is the biggest one he has ever had to face.

“But I know with his amazing strength and determination he will do everything that he can to get through this. He is doing his part, now it’s time for you to do yours."

She added: “Imagine that this was your partner, son or daughter, brother or sister, or friend. You would want to know everything was being done for your loved one, so please do the same for mine.

“A lot of people, because they might have only seen something quite minimal, might not think that it is that important really, but it is probably more important than they could ever imagine.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young, of Cleveland Police, described the assault as “a really nasty, horrible attack.”

He said at around 2am Mr Tunney and his friend visited a cash machine at Tesco Express on Norton High Street while on their way to a takeaway.

An argument took place with a group of young men who had climbed on the roof of the shop and pelted the two friends with rotten food.

The pair then walked away in the direction of Norton Road, where they were then allegedly assaulted by a group of youths at the junction of Holly Street.

“Shane is a young man in the prime of his life who was going about his daily business when this random attack took place,” said DCI Young.

“Now he lies in a hospital bed, fighting for his life. I believe that there are people in the local community who know exactly what happened that night and for whatever reason they don’t want to come forward.

“It has been talked about in the local community and on social media and those people who have information have a moral duty to come forward and speak to us.”

He appealed to the driver of a red Audi A3 who was parked outside Tesco Express between midnight and 1.50am to come forward.

He also urged an anonymous woman who contacted the police on Thursday, July 9 from a phone box to contact officers again as she may have information which could help the investigation.

Anyone with any information can call Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.