A MAN has undergone surgery after being slashed on the side of the face in an early-hours attack.

It happened at about 3.15am on Wednesday (August 6) in the Avenues area of Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

The 31-year-old victim was approached by a group of up to six in their late teens and early 20s.

After a brief confrontation the victim was slashed across the left side of his head, causing a deep cut to his ear and left cheek.

His attackers ran off from the scene.

A police spokesman said: “The victim is still in University Hospital North Durham having surgery on the left side of his face to the injuries.”

Police in the town are also investigating two linked assaults outside Horners pub, Front Street, at 1.30am on Saturday (August 2).

A man in his early twenties was knocked to the ground and kicked and punched by another man.

The victim got up and walked away and has not been traced but police have arrested a man on suspicion of assault and bailed him pending further enquiries.

They need the victim to come forward to find out what injuries he suffered.

Seconds after the first incident a 27-year-old man who is 6ft 7in was knocked unconscious by a group of men and women who kicked and punched him on the ground before walking off towards Cone Terrace.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.