POLICE have released CCTV footage of the moment a man was pushed to ground and punched whilst on a night out in Durham City.

The victim, aged 24, suffered hearing loss, a snapped tooth and facial injuries after being attacked by two males on Silver Street, on Saturday, April 2, at about 9pm.

The punch to his right ear knocked him to the ground and passers-by raised the alarm.

The group of three men and one woman left the scene and headed in the direction of North Road.

Durham Police are looking to trace all members of the group particularly the man who punched the 24-year-old.

The assailant is described as tall, of medium build, with black hair.

He was wearing a light grey or white top, jeans, black and white trainers and a red coat.

The victim has been unable to work since the incident.

PC Paul Vickers, from Durham City Response, said: "This was a particularly nasty assault and there were several witnesses captured on the CCTV.

“We would like to trace the group walking towards the man when he was attacked, which included two young children, as well as anyone else who witnessed the incident.

"Although his injuries were serious they could have been a lot worse, if not life changing, and it is imperative we find the people responsible.

“We have conducted extensive enquiries and trawled CCTV across the city and we are satisfied the group headed towards North Road.

“I am now asking the public for help in identifying who these people are."

Maxine Thompson-Curl, from the campaigning charity One Punch North East, added: "One-punch assaults happen far too often people need to understand the horrific consequences of a single punch.

"Another person’s life has been devastated due to a needless action I hope this exposure helps find the perpetrator and the victim gets justice.

“Our campaign promotes #StopThinkandWalkaway #DontUseHandsAsWeapons."

Anyone who was in the area at the time, or recognises the suspects in the group, should call PC Paul Vickers on 101.