POLICE investigating an assault that left a man with potentially life-threatening injuries are urging a witness to contact them.

The assault happened at 2.13am on Tuesday, February 10, when a man aged 28 was assaulted in the Red Chilli takeaway at Holmeside in the centre of Sunderland.

The victim is being treated at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

A window pane of a door was damaged in the incident.

A Northunmbria Police spokesman said: “It's thought the victim and his friend were in the company of another man, whom they met earlier in Ttonic, and they went together to Illusion in Holmeside later in the evening.

“Officers are keen for the man to get in contact as he may be a key witnesses to enquiries. “

The man is black, over 6ft tall and was wearing a backpack. He had a distinctive afro-style haircut, back combed.

He, anyone who knows who he is, or has information about the assault, are asked to call police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference 77 100215, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.