A MAN has been taken to hospital with serious head injuries after an apparently unprovoked street attack in the early hours of this morning.

The 48-year-old man was outside Gi-Gi's Pizzas in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough at around 2.05am (Saturday, July 9) when he was approached and spoken by another man who then assaulted him before running off towards Princess Road.

The victim was taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital where he remains.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20s, and wearing jeans and a checked shirt.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who might have seen the incident.

Anyone else with information on the identity of the suspect should also contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website www.crimestoppers-uk.org