A CYCLIST has suffered a broken eye socket after being punched in the back of his head.

Police said the 36-year-old man was riding his bike down Wains Road, in the Dringhouses area of York, when he narrowly avoided a collision with a young child - thought to be six years-old - who was also riding a bike.

“The cyclist spoke to the child and then took his bike off the road and pushed it through a nearby gate, when he became aware of a man behind him,” said a spokeswoman.

“The cyclist was then punched him in the back of the head and was knocked to the floor, where he was assaulted and sustained a broken eye socket, which has since required surgery.

“It is believed the offender is aged between 19 and 25-years-old and was with two women at the time of the assault.”

The attacked happened on May 5 and police are asking witnesses or anyone with information which could assist the investigation to contact them on 101 and ask to speak to PC Damion Liversidge.