A MAN was taken to hospital with a broken eye socket after he was robbed and hit round the side of the head with what police are describing as a "heavy item".

Cleveland Police are appealing for information after a 22-year-old man was robbed after he left the shop on Shelton Court on The Greenway in Thorntree in Middlesbrough last month.

He was approached from behind and hit during the incident on Friday, March 16 at around 8.30pm.

He was treated at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The victim also had his money and grey Berghaus jacket taken from him.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Anyone who may have been in the vicinity at that time who may have witnessed anything or know who is responsible are asked to contact PC Chris Lindsey.

"This can be done by telephoning the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"It can also be done by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org and quoting event number 048414."