POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an assault which saw a 52-year-old beaten in the face.

The incident happened in Stockton at around 6.30pm on Thursday, February 27, near to Mecca Bingo on Bridge Road, following a collision involving a cyclist and a Ford Focus.

The male cyclist punched the driver, who got out of his car following the collision, multiple times in the face. As a result, the 52-year-old victim suffered facial injuries including bruising and swelling.

The cyclist had a small child with him, around 10-years-old, who pleaded with him to stop. Instead of listening to the child, the cyclist became verbally abusive and continued the assault.

Officers believe that the assault lasted a few minutes and that there were a number of witnesses.

Assumed to be in his late twenties, the cyclist is described as a white male, 5ft 6” tall of medium build with dark hair and dark facial hair, wearing a green khaki puffer coat, a navy woollen hat and with a local accent.

Witnesses, or anyone who may have dashcam footage, should contact PC Rachel Morgan on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 32443.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.