A 22-YEAR-old man serious head injuries after an assault outside a pizza shop.

The incident happened  to the side of Sopranos Pizza Shop on Wilson Street in Middlesbrough.

"The incident occurred on Monday, May 1 between 1.30am and 3am when the victim was approached by a group of males who punched him and knocked him to the floor," said a Cleveland Police spokeswoman.

"As a result of the assault the victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital where he was treated for serious head injuries.

"One of the suspects is described as being a white male in his early 20s, of skinny build with pale skin and he was wearing dark blue jeans.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the assault or anyone with information regarding those responsible is asked to contact PC Adam Dixon on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org."